General Manager

Overview

The Corporation - Pila Nguru

Pila Nguru (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC (Pila Nguru) is a community-driven not-for-profit incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.

Based in Tjuntjuntjara in the Great Victoria Desert (WA), Pila Nguru is the Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC) for the Spinifex and Untiri Pulka Native Title Determinations, covering approximately 8 million hectares. The Spinifex Native Title Determination Area was determined in 2000. The Untiri Pulka Native Title Determination Area was determined in 2021, and the common law holders joined the Spinifex People in nominating Pila Nguru to hold their native title rights and interests on their behalf. Pila Nguru is currently the only RNTBC that holds native title rights and interests for multiple Native Title Determination Areas.

As the Registered Native Title Body Corporate, Pila Nguru is responsible for delivering core governance and operational activities, fulfilling obligations under heritage protection and land use agreements, implementing programs for the betterment of Spinifex and Untiri Pulka Native Title Holders, and protecting and preserving land and heritage for the Spinifex and Untiri Pulka People. Pila Nguru members and staff are committed to ensuring that decisions affecting the lives and land of community members are made with the input and backing of the community.

Pila Nguru supports the Spinifex and Untiri Pulka People's aspirations to articulate their continuing connection and obligations to culture, country, and community in many ways, including the Spinifex Land Management (Ranger) Programs and land access control.

Programs

Pila Nguru comprises the following key areas of operation:

- Prescribed Body Corporate and Native Title Rights and Interests:

- Board of Directors.

- Land Access Permissions.

- Exploration & Mining Agreements.

- Cultural Awareness Training.

- Cultural Heritage Protection.

- Management of Maralinga Piling Trust funds.

- Spinifex Land Management under the Anangu Tjutaku (Spinifex-Pilki-Untiri Pulka) Indigenous Protected Area and Spinifex Ranger Program:

- Men’s Ranger Program.

- Women’s Ranger Program.

- Spinifex Biodiversity Project.

The Role

The General Manager oversees all Pila Nguru programs, operations and staff, and works with Pila Nguru Board of Directors to set the strategic direction of the corporation. They are also responsible for ensuring the Board's strategic goals are met, and that the corporation remains compliant with relevant legislation and regulations, including:

- the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
- the Corporations (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth).
- the Native Title (Prescribed Bodies Corporate) Regulations 1999 (Cth).

Key Responsibilities

- Manage the daily and corporate operations of the corporation.
- Support the Board of Directors to maintain effective corporate governance and drive the strategic vision of the corporation.
- Develop and manage programs aimed at realising the Board's strategic vision.
- Act as the corporate secretary of the corporation.
- Ensure compliance with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) reporting and other requirements.
- Manage staff and support them to successfully deliver the objectives of their respective roles.
- Oversee the development of Pila Nguru infrastructure.
- Develop and manage all program budgets and ensure effective budget reporting to the Board of Directors.
- Manage the corporation's human resources.
- Liaise with partners, funding bodies and other stakeholders.
- Guide the continued development and delivery of Spinifex Cultural Awareness products.
- Based on a recent independent review, work with Paupiyala Tjarutja Aboriginal Corporation (PTAC), the municipal organisation for Tjuntjuntjara, to develop and implement a Memorandum of Understanding between Pila Nguru and PTAC to Outline the roles and responsibilities of each organisation and to deliver on these in a whole-of-community partnership approach.

Selection Criteria

- Experience working with Indigenous people, particularly in a remote community.
- Experience managing an Indigenous Corporation at executive level or similar.
- Knowledge and application of WA and Commonwealth legislation in relation to Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management, Native Title, the environment, and the administration of Indigenous corporations.
- Experience applying for funding and overseeing the implementation of projects.
- Experience in financial and human resource management.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to prepare reports, briefing papers, correspondence, submissions and advice, and lead communications in Board and other high-level meetings.
- Ability to communicate in a respectful, straightforward, and accessible manner with Aboriginal people, including adapting language and style to suit different levels of familiarity with organisational contexts and English language.
- Skills to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders including community members, staff, State and Federal governments, resource companies and other Aboriginal corporations.
- Experience leading, inspiring and mentoring a team of high-achieving staff.
- Relationship building skills and the ability to manage adverse situations.
- Class C driver's licence.

Being present in the community is critical for relationship-building with the Spinifex and Untiri Pulka People and effective consultation with the Board. As a part of this, you will be offered Cultural Awareness Training specific to the Spinifex and Untiri Pulka people.

The base expectation for this role is to be based in Tjuntjuntjara (eight weeks on, two weeks off). Negotiation (including some working from home) may be considered within reasonable limits for the successful candidate.

Pila Nguru encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

- A cover letter stating your relevant experience and qualifications.

All applications will be assessed as they are received. The closing date is the 19th September 2025

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