Director Of Operations

Who are we

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.

For enquiries please contact:

Application Details

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.

Advert Closing Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025

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