Vacancy: Deputy Ombudsman, Aboriginal Programs, Senior Executive Band 1
Location: Sydney CBD with hybrid and flexible working options
Employment: Statutory Appointment (up to 5-year term with eligibility for re-appointment)
Salary Range:$265,293 - $290,239 total remuneration package
- First Nations executive leadership role driving oversight of Aboriginal programs in NSW
- Lead statutory monitoring functions with system-wide impact
- Shape culturally informed, independent oversight across NSW government
About the NSW Ombudsman
Government agencies touch and impact the lives of the people of NSW every day, and we are there to make sure those interactions are fair. Government is complex and people need to have confidence that someone is holding government agencies to account if their actions are unreasonable, wrong or unlawful.
We are that someone. We are the organisation that shines a light on serious wrong conduct in the delivery of government services. Our ultimate goal is that everyone receives the right services and fair treatment from the agencies we oversight.
Our scope is broad. We cover services for vulnerable people, including the delivery of community services funded by government; local councils; correctional and youth justice centres; education; environment protection and public transport – to name a few!
We work to help resolve problems at an individual level, as well as looking at the bigger picture to promote system improvements in public administration and in the delivery of community services. We are confident in the knowledge that our work will give voice to the individual and bring fairness and balance to how the government delivers to the public it serves.
We are committed to providing a range of career development opportunities. We aim to guide and help our people with the skills they need to lead our organisation and give the most impact to what they do.
The role
The Deputy Ombudsman, Aboriginal Programs is a statutory executive role responsible for leading the Ombudsman’s functions in monitoring and assessing Aboriginal programs across NSW. This role will play an important part in strengthening the leadership capability to elevate our impact as outlined in the NSW Ombudsman Strategic Plan 2025-2030.
Reporting to the Senior Deputy Ombudsman, Systems Oversight and Reviews, the Deputy Ombudsman will set strategic priorities for the oversight of Aboriginal programs, providing expert, evidence-based advice on systemic issues and emerging trends. You will work closely with the Ombudsman, Senior Deputy Ombudsman and executive colleagues to ensure the delivery of independent, rigorous and culturally informed oversight.
Leading a specialist team, you will guide both ongoing monitoring activities and targeted program assessments, ensuring focus on the areas of greatest impact. You will also play a key role in supporting cultural capability across the organisation, acting as a trusted advisor and source of cultural leadership.
This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished and strategic First Nations leader with deep public sector experience to join the NSW Ombudsman and play a key role in shaping the oversight of Aboriginal programs to ultimately strengthen how we support Aboriginal communities and improve systems across government.
About you
Our ideal candidate will bring demonstrated public sector leadership and Aboriginal Affairs expertise as well as a deep alignment to the strategic purpose of the NSW Ombudsman. The successful candidate will bring strong judgement, cultural knowledge and an ability to engage respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal communities, leaders and stakeholders as well as government agencies responsible for Aboriginal programs.
Other key requirements include:
- Demonstrated understanding of, and commitment to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural capacity and the ability to engage respectfully to promote cultural safety.
- Proven executive leadership experience, ideally within oversight or systemic monitoring functions within an integrity or central agency.
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement and communication skills with the ability to influence at senior levels and across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong knowledge of relevant legislation, policy frameworks and public sector regulatory environments.
The NSW Ombudsman considers that being Aboriginal is a genuine occupational qualification under section 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
What can we offer?
- Competitive salary and future growth opportunities within NSW Ombudsman
- Flexibility and the capacity to work in a hybrid way
- Close to public transport – office is adjacent to Town Hall Train Station
- Great team environment and culture
- Fitness passport with access to fitness facilities across NSW
- Online applications must consist of:
- Covering letter (max 2 pages) highlighting your claims for the role
- CV outlining your skills, knowledge, and experience as relevant to this role.
- The recruitment will be conducted by a culturally-responsive panel assessment process.
- A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process. A talent pool is a pool of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role or similar roles, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles over the next 18 months.
- Preferred candidates will be subject to security and other vetting processes .
The NSW Ombudsman promotes a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTIQ+ people, people of all genders, and people with disability. We support flexibility and all roles advertised on a full-time basis may be considered for part-time employment.
Additional Information is available at the following links.
Role description - https://omborecruitment.blob.core.windows.net/roledescription-9c4d04c4/Role%20Description%20-%20Deputy%20Ombudsman,%20Aboriginal%20Programs.pdf
NSW Ombudsman Website - https://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/
Closing date: 10:00 AM AEST, Tuesday, 28 April 2026
For a confidential conversation about the role please contact Jess Lewy or Sarah Curran of the Orchard Talent Group, at NSWOmbo@orchardtalent.com.au
Please note, applications must be submitted via the I Work for NSW website to be considered.
We provide adjustments including alternative formats to the recruitment process for candidates including individuals with disability. If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process (including alternative formats) or have an enquiry about the support provided, please contact the Orchard Talent Group at NSWOmbo@orchardtalent.com.au.
The NSW Ombudsman has achieved Disability Confident Recruiter status, awarded by the Australian Disability Network. We are committed to continuing this journey through inclusive recruitment practices to ensure candidates have a positive experience in every step of the recruitment process.
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.