Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Cultural Services Manager will lead and strategically grow DPAC RNTBC's Cultural Services Unit, ensuring the organisation continues to deliver high-quality cultural heritage services while strengthening the capacity, participation, and leadership of Darumbal People in managing their cultural heritage on Country.
This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing a diverse and growing team, including Cultural Liaison Officers, Cultural Services Support Officers, and a pool of Cultural Heritage Field Officers and casual heritage workers. The position will ensure the effective coordination, quality assurance, and timely delivery of cultural heritage surveys and delivery of cultural services such as cultural training and ceremonial services across Darumbal Country.
The Cultural Services Manager will play a critical role in protecting and managing Darumbal cultural heritage, ensuring all activities are conducted in accordance with relevant legislation, Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs), Cultural Heritage Management Agreements (CHMAs), and the organisation's cultural governance frameworks.
Working closely with project proponents, government agencies, archaeologists, anthropologists, and the Darumbal community, the Cultural Services Manager will ensure that cultural heritage engagements are delivered in a culturally appropriate, respectful, and professionally managed manner, while also creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for Darumbal People.
This position also contributes to strategic planning, operational management, policy development, and organisational governance, ensuring the Cultural Services Unit operates efficiently, safely, and in alignment with DPAC RNTBC's broader strategic objectives.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Manage a team tasked with the care and conservation of heritage sites, collections, and artifacts. Manage team members providing liaison services with proponents developing projects on Darumbal country and with team members providing for the delivery of cultural services including cultural heritage training.
* Be fully responsible for the day-to-day management of staff, coordination and delivery of services, and for their wellbeing and safety.
* Be responsible for the development, implementation and review of heritage management policies and plans.
* Coordinate with local communities, stakeholders and governmental bodies.
* Manage the budget for the unit and ensure that budgets and invoicing of services are accurate and timely.
* Ensure research and documentation of heritage assets are correctly performed and stored.
* Ensure staff are properly qualified for their role and updated to current knowledge.
* Ensure liaison officers coordinate activities with proponents and provide economic benefit to Darumbal people through employment and contracts for work packages.
* Ensure all work is conducted according to health and safety protocols and that appropriate supervision is maintained on work sites.
* Assist with the negotiations and the development of Indigenous Land Use Agreements and Cultural Heritage Management Agreements.
* Keep abreast of state and national developments in cultural heritage management, including legislative changes.
* Drive, supervise and take responsibility for the day-to-day problem solving of cultural services issues throughout the organisation.
* Prepare and present reports, briefings and submissions to the CEO and Board of Directors.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
* Significant experience in cultural heritage management, community engagement, or Indigenous cultural services delivery.
* Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, projects and field-based cultural heritage programs.
* Strong understanding of cultural heritage legislation, regulatory frameworks and best practice heritage management.
* Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with Traditional Owners, communities, government and industry stakeholders.
* Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Strong project management, organisational and problem-solving capabilities.
* Experience managing budgets, reporting and operational service delivery.
* Tertiary qualifications in Cultural Heritage Management, Anthropology, Archaeology, Environmental Management, Business Management, Community Development or a related field.
BENEFITS
At Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation (DPAC) RNTBC, we are committed to supporting our employees and creating a workplace that is culturally respectful, supportive and rewarding.
We offer a range of benefits including:
* Competitive Salary Package
* Not-for-Profit Salary Packaging (increase your take-home pay through tax-effective salary packaging options)
* Professional Development and Training Opportunities
* Career Growth within a Community Controlled Organisation
* Supportive and Inclusive Workplace Culture
* Opportunity to work on Country and contribute to the protection of Darumbal cultural heritage
* Flexible and family-friendly workplace arrangements where operationally possible
* Meaningful work that directly supports community outcomes
APPLICATIONS
Please apply directly using the "Apply" button. Your application should include a Resume and Cover Letter, that outlines your interest in the role and addresses the "ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE" section.
Applications Close
C.O.B Friday 27th March 2026
IDENTIFIED POSITION
This position is an Identified Aboriginal Position and is Darumbal-specific.
In accordance with Section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Queensland), DPAC RNTBC may lawfully identify and recruit for this position from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants where it is a genuine occupational requirement.
Due to the cultural authority, responsibilities and engagement required with Darumbal Traditional Owners, cultural heritage practices, and community governance structures, applicants must be able to demonstrate strong cultural knowledge, connection and the ability to work respectfully with the Darumbal People and community.
Preference will be given to Darumbal Traditional Owners and/or suitably qualified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants with strong cultural heritage experience.
Applicants may be asked to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage as part of the recruitment process, in line with organisational policy.
More Information or Assistance
To complete your job application, please ensure that you attach both your Cover Letter and Resume when applying online. For further information or if you require assistance, please contact the HR Manager on (07) 4921 2869 or via email at karina.mckenzie@darumbal.com.au.
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