Overview
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is seeking a senior, experienced leader to serve as the Head of Indigenous Engagement for Australia and New Zealand.
The Head of Indigenous Engagement will be a senior leader and trusted advisor who brings deep cultural authority, executive presence, and a track record of building impactful, large‐scale Indigenous partnerships while championing necessary change within the organization for success. They will serve as the single‐threaded leader accountable for executing Indigenous engagement strategy and elevating the work of existing Indigenous‐focused staff across Amazon's businesses.
Working collaboratively with tenured Indigenous team members who have developed and deployed this strategy, they will unify Indigenous Engagement execution across all seven Amazon businesses, ensuring consistent, culturally aligned, and community‐led outcomes.
Key Job Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Define, own, execute and operationalise the pan‐Amazon Indigenous Engagement Strategy for ANZ, translating multi‐year strategic goals and success metrics into coordinated action across all business lines
* Serve as the single‐threaded senior leader accountable for Indigenous engagement outcomes across multiple business divisions
* Advise Amazon's ANZ senior leadership team on Indigenous affairs, cultural protocols, and community expectations, ensuring culturally informed decision‐making at executive level
* Evolve and refine the Indigenous Engagement Strategy based on community feedback, measurable outcomes, and emerging opportunities, while maintaining alignment with the established strategic framework and core outcome areas
* Drive the evolution and execution of Amazon Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and Te Ao Māori frameworks in Aotearoa
* Represent Amazon externally as a senior executive voice on Indigenous engagement, building our reputation as the most trusted technology and services company for Indigenous Peoples in ANZ
Executive Relationships & Stakeholder Engagement
* Maintain consistent engagement approaches across all Amazon businesses to ensure Indigenous communities, customers, and partners experience Amazon as a unified, respectful organization that listens attentively and speaks candidly while maintaining respect front‐of‐mind
* Build and maintain trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative bodies, native title bodies, and iwi through culturally appropriate, meaningful consultation that recognises their authority and ensures their voices remain central to Amazon's decision‐making
* Establish strategic relationships with government agencies and organisational partners, positioning Amazon as a trusted partner aligned with policy objectives while maintaining clear boundaries that keep Indigenous voices primary in decision‐making
* Engage with senior government officials, policymakers, and regulators on Indigenous policy, procurement, and digital inclusion initiatives
* Represent Amazon at board‐level and C‐suite discussions with Indigenous organisations, government, and industry partners
* Develop strategic partnerships with Indigenous‐led organisations, academic institutions, and industry bodies to advance shared objectives
Thought Leadership & Advocacy
* Serve as AWS's foremost subject matter expert on Indigenous engagement in ANZ, shaping public discourse and positioning Amazon as a leader in the technology sector
* Deliver keynote presentations, participate in high‐profile panels, and contribute to publications that establish Amazon's credentials in Indigenous innovation and digital inclusion
* Develop and champion thought leadership on Indigenous data sovereignty, digital self‐determination and community‐led technology adoption
* Mentor and develop the next generation of Indigenous leaders within Amazon and the broader ecosystem
Cross‐Business Coordination (OneAmazon)
* Operate as the connective tissue across Amazon business to ensure a coherent, enterprise‐wide Indigenous engagement approach
* Coordinate with AWS Public Sector account, and partner teams to ensure Indigenous customer engagements are culturally aligned and strategically prioritised
* Partner with Amazon Retail and Operations on Indigenous procurement, supply chain diversity, and community benefit programmes
* Collaborate with Amazon's global Indigenous engagement and diversity functions to share best practices and align regional strategy with global direction
* Work with Public Policy, Legal, Communications, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion teams to ensure alignment across all Indigenous‐facing initiatives
Team Leadership & Capability Building
* Build and lead a high‐performing Indigenous Engagement team, attracting top Indigenous talent and developing career pathways
* Establish the mechanisms, governance, and cultural protocols that ensure all Amazon teams engage authentically and appropriately with Indigenous communities
* Drive cultural competency uplift across the organisation through training, enablement programmes, and internal advocacy
* Create scalable frameworks that allow business teams to engage Indigenous customers and partners with confidence and cultural alignment
Applicants in Australia
Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification for this position. Pursuant to Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (and equivalent provisions in other Australian jurisdictions), this role is open only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Aboriginality is considered essential for this position.
Applicants in Aotearoa
Genuine Occupational Qualification: Pursuant to Section 27 (or 73) of the Human Rights Act 1993, being Māori is a genuine occupational requirement for this position due to the highly specialised cultural competency and lived experience needed to fulfil the duties.
Key Competencies
Cultural Authority & Executive Presence
* Demonstrated respect and standing within Indigenous communities, with the ability to represent Indigenous perspectives authentically and earn the trust of Indigenous leaders and organisations
* Executive presence to engage with the most senior leaders in government, industry, and Indigenous communities
* Ability to hold complex, sometimes difficult conversations with cultural sensitivity and strategic acumen
* Deep commitment to Indigenous self‐determination, reconciliation, and community empowerment
Strategic & Systems Thinking
* Ability to develop multi‐year strategies that span multiple business lines and geographies
* Systems‐level thinking to connect Indigenous engagement with broader business, policy, and societal outcomes
* Strong commercial awareness and ability to articulate value propositions to diverse stakeholders
* Data‐driven approach to measuring and reporting impact
Leadership & Influence
* Proven ability to build high‐performing teams and develop Indigenous talent
* Exceptional stakeholder management across complex matrix environments
* Influence without authority – ability to drive outcomes across business lines where you do not have direct reporting relationships
* Collaborative leadership style that centres community voice and Indigenous knowledge systems
Basic Qualifications
* 5+ years of team leadership experience
* Experience of high‐level negotiation and successful internal and external relationship management
* 10+ years of progressive experience in Indigenous engagement, Indigenous affairs, Indigenous economic development, or related senior leadership roles
* Deep cultural knowledge and authority in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and/or Tikanga Māori, with demonstrated ability to navigate cultural protocols across diverse Indigenous communities
* Experience developing and executing enterprise‐level Indigenous engagement strategies with measurable outcomes
* Proven ability to influence and advise C‐suite and board‐level executives on Indigenous affairs and cultural engagement
* Experience working across multiple business lines or functions in complex organisational structures
* Strong understanding of Indigenous data sovereignty, self‐determination principles, and community‐led approaches
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including ability to deliver keynotes and represent an organisation in high‐profile public settings
* Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience as a founder or executive focused on related segments, or as a practice leader or business unit owner
* Experience selling to Fortune 1000 or Global 2000 organisations
* Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Law, Political Science, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Economic Development)
* Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage or Māori heritage strongly preferred
* Experience in the technology sector, cloud computing, digital transformation, or innovation‐led industries
* Knowledge of government Indigenous procurement policies, supplier diversity programmes, and RAP frameworks
* Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, Native Title frameworks, and Indigenous land rights
* Existing executive‐level relationships within Indigenous business networks, Peak Indigenous Bodies, and iwi/rūnanga
* Experience with Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) at Elevate or Stretch level
* Track record in thought leadership including published work, keynote speaking, advisory board participation, or policy contributions
* Experience operating in a multi‐national or global company with matrix reporting structures
Acknowledgement Of Country
In the spirit of reconciliation Amazon acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
IDE Statement
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you're applying in isn't listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
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