• Drive transformational change that expands opportunity and improves outcomes for First Nations people and communities
• Build a high-performing, culturally grounded workforce that enables First Nations people to thrive through health, education, employment and opportunity
• Affirmative Measures (First Nations) | Flexible location

The organisation
Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) is a not-for-profit Commonwealth company that has provided culturally safe and affordable accommodation for First Nations people since 1973. AHL operates a national network of 42 hostels across Australia, supporting First Nations people who need to travel away from home to access education, employment, healthcare and other essential services.
AHL is entering a significant period of transformation and growth. Supported by an engaged Board and executive team, the organisation is developing a new ten-year strategy that will guide its future direction and broaden its impact. The strategy seeks to position AHL as Australia's leading First Nations mobility, accommodation and wellbeing organisation, enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to thrive wherever they move for health, education, employment, safety or opportunity. Alongside this work, AHL is modernising systems and processes, strengthening workforce capability and reimagining service delivery to meet the evolving needs of First Nations communities across Australia.

The opportunity
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief People Officer will lead AHL's people, culture and workplace health and safety functions during a period of significant organisational transformation. Working closely with the CEO, Board and executive colleagues, you will provide strategic advice on workforce planning, organisational development, industrial relations and cultural leadership, ensuring AHL is well positioned to deliver on its long-term strategic ambitions while building a high-performing, culturally safe and inclusive workplace.

A defining feature of the role will be leading transformation through people. You will drive contemporary workforce strategies, strengthen leadership capability, modernise people systems and practices, and build the workforce, culture and leadership capability required to support AHL's evolution from an accommodation provider to a nationally integrated First Nations mobility and wellbeing organisation. Leading a multidisciplinary team, you will champion a culture of accountability, inclusion and continuous improvement, helping position AHL as an employer of choice and a high-performing national First Nations organisation. At a time when AHL is investing in its future, this role presents a rare opportunity to influence organisational direction and leave a lasting legacy.

About you
You are a strategic and values driven First Nations executive with a proven ability to lead people, culture and organisational transformation in complex environments. You bring significant experience developing workforce strategy, strengthening organisational capability and delivering contemporary people practices that support both operational performance and employee experience. Comfortable operating at executive and Board level, you provide trusted advice, influence key decisions and build strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Whether your experience has been gained in the public, community, not-for-profit or corporate sectors, you combine strategic thinking with practical leadership and a genuine commitment to creating inclusive, high-performing workplaces. You are recognised as an authentic and collaborative leader who leads with integrity, empathy and purpose, and who understands the importance of cultural safety and inclusion. Experience leading systems implementation, workforce modernisation or organisational reform will be highly regarded, as will your commitment to creating environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are respected, supported and empowered to succeed.

How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Felicity Stalley, Jess Lewy or Grace McDonnell of The Orchard Talent Group on AHL@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV and a brief cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining your alignment to the role and eligibility under Affirmative Measures – First Nations to AHL@orchardtalent.com.au.

Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia and the ability to obtain a negative vetting level 1 security clearance.

This role is open under the RecruitAbility scheme. Applicants with a disability who opt in and meet the minimum requirements will progress to the next assessment stage supporting fair and inclusive recruitment. We encourage eligible candidates to participate and request any adjustments they may need.

Applications close Sunday 28 June 2026  


The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.