Engagement Assistant Director, Kakadu and West Arnhem

• Ongoing & Non-ongoing for an initial period of up to 12 months, Flexible working arrangements will be considered

• Darwin, NT; Future roles may be available in Nhulunbuy, NT

• Location: Darwin, NT; Future roles may be available in Nhulunbuy, NT

• Application Closing Date: 29-Oct-2025

Classification

Executive Level 1 ($126,342 - $143,993)

Employment Type

Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for an initial period of up to 12 months)

This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the NIAA delegate.

Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for an initial period of up to 12 months, with possibility of extension up to a maximum period of two years.

A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.

Flexible Work

Flexible working arrangements will be considered

The Opportunity

The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) is looking for a dynamic and driven Assistant Director, Engagement to lead the delivery of transformative programs and policy initiatives that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This is a unique opportunity to shape how services are delivered, strengthen community partnerships, and contribute directly to Closing the Gap targets. Your work will have a tangible impact - enhancing program supports, building stronger stakeholder relationships, and improving outcomes in remote communities. You'll be at the forefront of shaping how the Agency engages with First Nations peoples.

As a key leader in the branch, you will:

• drive program development through strategic influence, quality assurance, and risk management
• champion innovation, identifying innovative approaches to improve service delivery and influencing regional planning
• drive community engagement that supports stakeholder results, overseeing performance development reporting and spearheading business improvement ideas
• lead a team to develop expert advice across the departments operational and policy areas to stakeholders, ensuring programs meet community needs
• lead and inspire a dedicated team, fostering an inclusive and culturally safe workplace.

Special requirements include cultural competence, the ability to travel to remote communities (4WD and light aircraft), and experience in operating in complex policy and/or reginal and remote operational environments.

Qualifications in a community development service area, strength-based community development and program administration skills, or other transferable skills and experience are highly desirable.

Our Ideal Candidate

We're on the lookout for a standout leader to join our team—someone who brings compassion, purpose, and accountability to their work. Our ideal candidate will influence strategic outcomes and uphold cultural integrity, with the following skills and experience:

• proven ability in strategic planning, program delivery, and managing complex initiatives in remote and dynamic environments
• championing innovation and collaboration to lead change and elevate performance
• building respectful, inclusive relationships and contributes meaningfully to cross-agency networks
• translates big-picture strategy into clear team goals and a shared sense of purpose
• working with First Nations service providers across government, non-government, and Aboriginal sector organisations
• demonstrated cultural capability and a commitment to fostering culturally safe, inclusive workplaces
• adept at reviewing and refining programs, policies, and projects to drive continuous improvement
• skilled in coaching, mentoring, and growing talent and supports ongoing staff development —ensuring succession planning is more than a buzzword
• solid understanding of public sector delegations, governance, and compliance
• a track record of leading teams and delivering results that align with NIAA's strategic vision and performance goals
• proficient in risk assessment and management using structured frameworks.

Identified Position

This position is Identified which signifies that the role has strong involvement in matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This position has direct engagement with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers, or is involved in the development of programmes and policy. You will require a high level of cultural competency, including:

• demonstrated understanding of the matters impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• demonstrated high level ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• demonstrated high level capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.

The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check.

Security Clearance Required

Baseline Vetting (Protected)

Contact Officer

David King on or

Please Note – This is an unclassified web-based recruitment system so your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your one-page pitch and resume.