Director Of Operations

National Indigenous Network Initiative (NINI) is an inclusive, not-for-profit Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation based on Kaurna Country in Adelaide, South Australia.

We are dedicated to truth-telling and advancing self-determination through culturally safe, trauma-informed, and strengths-based therapeutic care that nurtures healing, strengthens social and emotional wellbeing, and supports mental health.

We are proud to be launching the Aboriginal Social & Emotional Wellbeing Centre in partnership with Sonder and OARS Community Transitions, jointly funded by the Commonwealth and South Australian Governments.

The Centre represents a new and exciting chapter for community connection, healing, and culture-led care.

About the Role As Director of Operations, you will lead the establishment and implementation of the Aboriginal Social & Emotional Wellbeing Centre. This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving strategic and operational excellence, ensuring cultural integrity, and embedding Aboriginal ways of knowing, being, and doing across all aspects of governance and service delivery.

You will oversee multidisciplinary teams, foster strong community partnerships, and champion culturally safe, trauma-informed care models that reflect Aboriginal community priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of strategic and operational plans aligned with community priorities and consortium vision

Ensure services operate within robust clinical and cultural governance frameworks

Oversee compliance with national standards, accreditation, and funding requirements

Champion recovery-oriented, harm minimisation, and lived experience-informed models of care

Monitor service performance, risk, and quality through data-driven decision-making

Mentor managers, clinicians, cultural consultants, and peer workers in a culturally responsive environment

Drive innovation and continuous improvement across clinical, cultural, and community programs

Establish and maintain strong connections with Aboriginal communities, Elders, and cultural leaders

Embed cultural protocols, language, and traditional healing practices into service design and delivery

Strengthen kinship and family-centred care approaches

Promote staff wellbeing, professional development, and succession planning

Build and maintain strong relationships with ACCHOs, government agencies, and sector partners

Represent the organisation in strategic forums and policy consultations

Lead multi-agency collaborations, including emergency response and integrated care initiatives

About You

Demonstrated connection to Aboriginal communities

Proven ability to lead complex, multi-agency programs and multidisciplinary teams

Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, cultural safety, and Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing frameworks

High-level communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills

Strong organisational skills for managing workload, partnerships, and reporting requirements

Experience, Skills and Knowledge

Minimum of five (5) years relevant professional leadership experience

Experience representing Aboriginal organisations in forums, partnerships, or interagency collaborations

Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from regional and remote communities (highly desirable)

Deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, community dynamics, and social determinants of health

Familiarity with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation structures and governance

Strong knowledge of funding, compliance, and accreditation frameworks relevant to Aboriginal health

Qualifications and Other Requirements Relevant tertiary qualifications in health, social services, or leadership (or equivalent experience)

Currently have or willing to receive the required vaccinations under the SA Health Policy

Current or willing to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC)

Current or willing to obtain a National Police Check (NPC)

Working with Vulnerable People Check

Why Join NINI?

Lead a groundbreaking, culture-led wellbeing service

Work within a culturally strong, supportive leadership team

Salary packaging benefits

Cultural supervision and professional development opportunities

Make a lasting impact on Aboriginal health and wellbeing

How to Apply Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume via Apply.

This position is open to all applicants. While not an Identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander role, NINI strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We aim to respond to all applicants; however, due to high application numbers, only shortlisted candidates may be contacted. Thank you for your understanding.

#J-18808-Ljbffr