Chief Executive Officer

2 days ago

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia Aboriginal Resource and Development Services Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per year
About ARDS

ARDS' purpose is to increase Yolŋu control of all aspects of Yolŋu life, through equal and genuine access to information, resources and decision-making. Led by the ARDS Board made up of Yolŋu leaders from each of the major Yolŋu communities, ARDS' cross-cultural approach puts Yolŋu perspectives, skills and decision-making at the centre of our work. We do this through five areas of work:

  • Yolŋu Region Language Centre – our team supports local language custodians in keeping language strong.
  • Community Development - under the guidance of local ŋalapaḻ (elders), we work to strengthen local capacity, confidence and control in areas such as health, social and emotional wellbeing, and parenting and families.
  • Law and Justice - we work to ensure that Yolŋu Rom (law and culture) is respected and recognised by dominant culture institutions.
  • Yolŋu Radio – we broadcast to Yolŋu communities and homelands celebrating Yolŋu identity & strength.
  • Cultural Competency Training - we deliver training to equip individuals and organisations working in East Arnhem Land
About the Role

ARDS has experienced a period of growth during the past five years and is in a strong position to continue serving Yolŋu communities into the future. ARDS is seeking a CEO who will continue this journey and lead the organisation to carry out our 2025 – 2029 Strategic Plan.

The CEO is responsible for providing strategic leadership, cultural integrity, and operational excellence to ensure ARDS continues to deliver high-quality, culturally and linguistically grounded services. The CEO will work closely with the Board to achieve the organisation's strategic goals, maintain financial sustainability, and uphold ARDS' commitment to Yolŋu values and community priorities. The CEO's responsibilities will include:

  • Providing high-level leadership of ARDS including overseeing the effective and sustainable day-to-day operation of ARDS
  • Implementing and delivering on the strategic objectives set by the ARDS Board in the Strategic Plan
  • A personal commitment to learning and understanding Yolŋu Rom, gurrutu and language and leading this commitment throughout the organisation
  • Actively promoting ARDS' work and reputation across a wide range of sectors and stakeholders
  • Providing timely, accurate reports and strategic advice to the Board to support decision-making and implementing Board resolutions
  • Ensuring the organisation's financial sustainability
  • Management and ongoing professional development of the ARDS managers
Requirements

For this role ARDS is looking for someone with previous CEO or executive management experience who has strong commitment to working respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal people and communities as well as a deep appreciation for Aboriginal cultures, the experience of Aboriginal people interacting with dominant systems and strong knowledge of the NT and Australian government policy landscape as it pertains to Aboriginal people.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this opportunity we ask that you write to to request a copy of the CEO Recruitment Pack. This will provide you with a deeper understanding of the role & of ARDS, as well as the detailed key selection criteria.

To apply please provide a comprehensive resume together with a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and addressing your suitability for the role.

For any initial enquiries, or for any assistance you may need in making your application, please contact Xanthe Weaich for a confidential discussion on or

  • Chief Executive Officer

    5 days ago

    Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia Northern Territory Government Full time $269,482 per year

    Vacancy Number: 017801Agency: Aboriginal Areas Protection AuthorityNumber of Vacancies: 1Work Unit: Office of the CEOLocation: DarwinPrimary Objective: As the Chief Executive Officer of an Independent Statutory Body established by the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act (NT the Act) be the expert in charge of regulating the protection of...

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    2 weeks ago

    Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia NT Government - Department of Tourism and Hospitality Full time $200,000 - $300,000 per year

    Job descriptionAgency Department of Tourism and Hospitality Work unit Licensing, Commercial and EnablementJob title Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Licensing Designation Executive Contract Officer 3Commercial and EnablementJob type Full time Duration Fixed for up to 4 yearsSalary $269,482 Location DarwinPosition number 40097 RTF Closing 02/11/2025Contact...

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    5 days ago

    Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia Northern Territory Government Full time $300,000 - $600,000 per year

    Executive Contract Officer 4 - Remuneration Package Range$302,742Strategy, Programs and Enabling ServicesDarwinOne full time vacancy fixed for 4 years is availableApply your senior executive experience and strategic leadership to drive strategic planning, reform programs and initiatives in a large and complex operating environment.The Department of Children...

  • Chief Executive Officer

    2 days ago

    Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia Civil Contractors Federation NT Full time $180,000 - $250,000 per year

    CEO Opportunity – Civil Contractors Federation NT LtdLocation: Darwin, Northern TerritoryType: Permanent Part-Time [Est 30Hrs per week] / Contract - Executive RoleSector: Civil Construction / Infrastructure AdvocacyCivil Contractors Federation NT Ltd (CCF NT) is seeking a visionary and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to champion the interests of the civil...

  • Deputy Chief Executive

    5 days ago

    Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia Department of Children and Families Full time $250,000 - $350,000 per year

    Vacancy Number: 035090Agency: Department of Children and FamiliesNumber of Vacancies: 1Work Unit: Strategy, Programs and Enabling ServicesLocation: DarwinPrimary Objective: Provide strategic leadership and management to develop and implement the Department's strategic priorities and enable its reform agenda including the commissioning of robust services in...

  • Deputy Chief Executive

    5 days ago

    Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia NT Government - Department of Children and Families Full time $240,000 - $360,000 per year

    Job descriptionAgency Department of Children and Families Work unit Strategy, Programs and Enabling ServicesJob title Deputy Chief Executive Designation Executive Contract Officer 4Job type Full time Duration Fixed for up to 4 yearsRemuneration package $302,742 Location DarwinPosition number 35090 RTF Closing 17/11/2025Contact officer Brent Warren, Chief...

  • Chief Executive Officer

    5 days ago

    Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia Davidson Full time $150,000 - $250,000 per year

    The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) is an independent statutory body established under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989. Its core mandate is to protect Aboriginal sacred sites across the NT, while facilitating land use and development through clear legal frameworks and strong partnerships. The Chief Executive Officer...

  • Executive Support Officer

    7 days ago

    Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia NT Government - Department of Mining and Energy Full time $720,000 - $960,000 per year

    Job descriptionAgency Department of Mines and Energy Work unit Officer of the Chief Executive OfficerJob title Executive Support Officer Designation Administrative Officer 5Job type Full time Duration OngoingSalary $88,297 - $92,687 Location DarwinPosition number 46125 RTF Closing 09/11/2025Contact officer Andrew Hurwood on or About the agency Apply online...

  • Chief Financial Officer

    1 week ago

    Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia Darwin Turf Club Full time $90,000 - $120,000 per year

    Lead Financial Excellence in Territory Racing and HospitalityAre you ready to shape the financial future of one of the Northern Territory's most dynamic hospitality, racing and events organisations?The Darwin Turf Club and Silks Darwin(Gold plate award Winner – Family Restaurant 2025),home to the iconic Darwin Cup Carnival and award-winning dining, are...

  • Executive Officer

    2 weeks ago

    Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia NT Health Full time $128,551 - $143,611 per year

    Job descriptionAgency Department of Health Work unit Office of the Chief Health OfficerJob title Executive Officer Designation Senior Administrative Officer 1Job type Full time Duration OngoingSalary $128,551 - $143,611 Location DarwinPosition number 27796 RTF Closing 22/09/2025Contact officer Adj Prof Paul Burgess on or About the agency Apply online...