About the role

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry (ACM) is a ministry of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne committed to strengthening the place, participation and voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the life of the Church.

Inspired by the Gospel, ACM is committed to the dignity of each person, open hospitality, connection and reconciliation. Located in Thornbury, the ACM Centre is a place of community, faith and spiritual nourishment, cultural expression, learning and welcome. ACM also works with parishes, schools and Catholic organisations to deepen understanding and strengthen respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We are seeking an Engagement Officer who can help build trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics families and communities, strengthen community participation and create meaningful opportunities for connection, belonging, faith, cultural expression and participation in the life of the Church.

In this role, you will:

• Build respectful and trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics and communities.
• Support community engagement, outreach and opportunities for faith, connection and participation.
• Facilitate workshops, formation programs, cultural learning opportunities and visits to the ACM Centre.
• Assist in the development of engaging resources for schools, parishes, clergy and Catholic communities.
• Help coordinate Masses, prayer gatherings, community events, school programs and other ACM initiatives.
• Contribute to ACM being a culturally safe, welcoming and spiritually nourishing place.
• Listen to community perspectives and help ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices inform ACM programs and priorities.

About you

You will be a skilled relationship-builder and communicator with a demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, and a lived experience of a Catholic faith community (parish, Catholic school, or religious community). You will have experience in community engagement, education, formation or professional learning, together with strong facilitation, relationship-building and project coordination skills.

You will be comfortable working collaboratively, receiving cultural guidance and engaging respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds. An understanding of and respect for the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church, and the capacity to contribute to the particular mission of ACM, is also required.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

Aboriginal Catholic Ministry is committed to strengthening the participation, leadership and voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the life of the Church.

Applications are welcomed from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are particularly encouraged to apply.

Why join Aboriginal Catholic Ministry?

This is an opportunity to contribute to a ministry where relationship comes before program and where listening, hospitality, faith and cultural respect are central to the way we work.

Based at the ACM Centre in Thornbury, you will join a small and committed team and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholics, parishes, Catholic schools and Catholic organisations across Melbourne and Victoria.

The role offers a distinctive opportunity to help strengthen Aboriginal Catholic community and participation while also helping the wider Church grow in understanding, respectful relationship, and reconciliation.

If you are passionate about building relationships, strengthening community and creating meaningful opportunities for learning, faith and reconciliation, we would love to hear from you.

Ready to Apply?

If you believe this opportunity aligns with your skills and experience, we welcome your application. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience.

Please note: We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, if you believe this role might be for you, please apply as soon as possible.

Employment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment screening, including a National Police Records Check and Working with Children Check. To be successful in this role you must hold valid working rights in Australia.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne is committed to the safety, wellbeing and dignity of all children and vulnerable adults. It is a requirement across our organisation that all clergy, employees and volunteers have a valid working with children check.