Hard Heads, Soft Hearts, Capable Hands
AIEF is seeking an experienced and values‑driven HR Business Partner to take on sole leadership of the HR function—our Head of HR equivalent role. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced HR generalist to step into full ownership of HR at a national, mission‑driven organisation making a meaningful impact in Indigenous education.
About AIEF
AIEF was established in 2008 in response to community demand from Indigenous families who choose to enrol their children in boarding schools. Bringing together the government and private sectors, AIEF provides scholarship funding for Indigenous students to complete Year 12 or pursue tertiary studies, with career support and mentoring to help them transition successfully to employment.
Backed by some of Australia’s most influential business, philanthropic, media and community leaders, AIEF has grown from one scholarship student in 2008 to now supporting over 1,500 young Indigenous people from over 400 communities in every state and territory of Australia. AIEF has consistently achieved annual retention, Year 12 completion, and career transition rates above 90% since funding its first scholarship in 2008.
The Role
As AIEF’s only HR professional, you will lead the entire HR function and work closely with the COO and Executive Director to strengthen, modernise and deliver high‑quality HR across the organisation. This is a mid-senior level role ideal for someone ready to step into organisational HR leadership.
You will oversee all aspects of the employee lifecycle – recruitment, onboarding, learning and development, performance management, remuneration, compliance, HR systems, and HR projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, manage and deliver all HR BAU operations across the full employee lifecycle
- Advise and support senior leaders across all HR matters
- Oversee compliance including WWVP/WWC, police checks, WHS and employment law
- Manage and optimise HR systems and processes (Employment Hero experience desirable)
- Lead HR projects including policy updates, capability uplift and system improvements
- Maintain HR governance, reporting and record‑keeping standards
- Build trust, coach managers and contribute to an inclusive, high‑performance culture
Key Selection Criteria
- 5+ years HR generalist experience
- Experience in the nonprofit sector or strong understanding of salary packaging
- Proven end‑to‑end experience across the complete HR lifecycle
- Strong knowledge of Australian employment law and HR compliance
- Experience in Compensation & Benefits, performance management and L&D
- Confident operating autonomously and advising senior leaders
- Excellent communication, judgement and relationship‑building skills
- Experience using Employment Hero (highly regarded)
Benefits of Working with Us
This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of Indigenous students while working with a passionate and high-performing team dedicated to social change. You will:
- Contribute directly to changing the nation by supporting Indigenous education.
- Access generous salary packaging that boosts your take-home pay (up to $15,900 general expenses + $2,650 meals/accommodation).
- Receive an additional 7 days of leave each year to support your personal needs.
- Work from a prime Surry Hills location, close to cafés, restaurants and Central Station.
- Join a vibrant and dynamic office where no two days are the same.
- Access multiple opportunities for ongoing training and development.
- Benefit from an Employee Assistance Program.
For successful candidates, AIEF conducts mandatory probity checks, which include a National Criminal Record Check by the Australian Federal Police and a Working with Children Check by the relevant State and Territory Government(s).
