Cultural Connector

Mission Australia • Oakleaf, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This role plays a vital part in strengthening culturally safe service delivery for First Nations people accessing Mission Australia’s housing and community programs across Greater Darwin. Working steadily across multiple sites in the region, the Cultural Connector provides cultural authority, guidance and support to staff, leaders and community, helping bridge community realities with service design and leadership decision‑making.

Based in Garramilla (Darwin) on Larrakia Country, this position supports First Nations staff and people accessing our programs by guiding culturally appropriate referral pathways, responding to emerging community issues, and ensuring services are delivered in ways that are respectful, safe and grounded in local cultural knowledge. The role operates alongside our leadership and frontline teams but does not carry a case load, focusing instead on cultural advocacy, mentoring and advice rather than direct service delivery.

This is an on-site position working closely with teams and communities across the Greater Darwin region. As a trusted and respected presence, the Cultural Connector strengthens relationships with Elders, Traditional Owners and First Nations organisations, shares cultural knowledge with staff, and represents Mission Australia at local, regional and Territory‑wide forums. The role supports leadership to navigate complex cultural considerations and supports teams to walk the right way with community, ensuring First Nations voices, values and strengths are reflected in how services are delivered across the Top End.

Requirements

• A proud Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person with strong cultural identity and deep connection to community in Garramilla (Darwin) and across the Top End.
• Recognised and respected within community, with demonstrated cultural authority and strong networks with Elders, families and First Nations organisations.
• A strong understanding of First Nations cultural systems, approaches and community dynamics, including the ability to navigate sensitive cultural matters such as Sorry Business.
• Confidence to provide cultural guidance, support and constructive challenge to staff and leaders in a way that builds understanding and strengthens practice.
• Strong listening, yarning and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to have difficult conversations respectfully when required.
• Experience engaging in community development, mentoring or advisory roles, with the ability to work independently across multiple locations.
• The ability to maintain personal wellbeing, resilience and strong professional boundaries while supporting others in complex or emotionally demanding situations.
• Full driver licence with no restrictions.
• Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Responsibilities

• Provide cultural guidance and leadership to support the delivery of culturally safe, respectful and responsive services across Mission Australia programs in Greater Darwin.
• Build, maintain and strengthen relationships with local First Nations Elders, Traditional Owners, community leaders and organisations to inform service delivery and program design.
• Support and guide frontline staff and People Leaders to build cultural capability, confidence and culturally responsive practice without shame.
• Act as a cultural authority and advisor to identify, interpret and respond to emerging community issues, trends and cultural considerations impacting service delivery.
• Advocate internally and externally for the needs and perspectives of First Nations people to improve access, engagement and outcomes.
• Provide cultural support, mentoring and guidance to staff and people accessing our services, strengthening connection to culture and navigating sensitive or complex situations with care.
• Represent Mission Australia at community events, interagency meetings and local, regional and Territory‑wide forums to ensure First Nations voices are heard and respected.

Benefits

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support.
• Volunteering opportunities
• Extra leave available including an additional public holiday, additional annual leave day on your work anniversary and the opportunity to purchase further annual leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed