Assistant Director

• Ongoing & Non-ongoing for an initial period of up to 12 months, Flexible working arrangements will be considered
• EL 1

• Darwin, NT

• Location: Darwin, 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

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous Australians? The NIAA Central Group is offering an exceptional opportunity to join our Darwin office as the Business Services Assistant Director—a pivotal role driving high-impact corporate services across the Northern Territory.

This is more than just a job—it's a chance to lead a passionate team, shape strategic outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to the work of NIAA in some of Australia's most unique and diverse regions.

As the Assistant Director, Business services you will lead the Business Services team, a group of dedicated professionals delivering essential corporate support across NT. Your leadership will ensure the smooth operation of:

Facilities and fleet management

Security and remote property operations

Procurement and contract oversight

Reception and office services

Human resources support and coordination

You'll manage a geographically dispersed team, fostering collaboration and consistency across urban and remote locations. Your strategic oversight will enable NIAA's programs to flourish by ensuring our corporate backbone is strong, responsive, and future-focused. The key responsibilities of the role are:

• monitor operational risks and implement mitigation strategies
• track performance against KPIs and provide actionable insights to senior leadership
• prepare high-quality reports, briefs, and presentations for senior executives and governance committees
• represent the region in national forums and contribute to strategic planning
• mentor and coach team members to build capability and confidence
• support career progression through structured development plans and feedback
• lead projects to streamline operations, introduce new technologies, and improve service delivery
• identify opportunities for innovation in remote service models and regional logistics
• drive the delivery of corporate services with a focus on efficiency, compliance, and service excellence
• oversee regional property and fleet operations, ensuring assets are well-managed and fit-for-purpose.

Our Ideal Candidate

We're on the lookout for a dynamic, strategic leader who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and is driven by purpose. If you're passionate about making a real difference and have a strong foundation in corporate services, this is your chance to lead with impact.

You bring deep experience across a range of operational functions—facilities, fleet, procurement, HR support, and remote property management—and know how to keep things running smoothly, even in the most challenging settings. You're not just a manager—you're a connector, someone who builds trust and fosters collaboration across teams, communities, and service providers.

You understand the importance of cultural awareness and regional nuance, especially when working in remote and Indigenous communities. Your leadership style is inclusive, empowering, and values-driven—you know how to bring out the best in your people, nurture talent, and create a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement. Our ideal candidate will demonstrate the following skills and attributes:

• experience and knowledge in corporate operations, administration, and HR practices, with a solid understanding of government processes and compliance
• a strategic thinker who can see the big picture while managing the details—someone who can lead improvement initiatives and drive operational efficiency
• an effective communicator who can prepare high-quality reports and briefs and confidently engage with senior leadership and governance committees
• a leader who is passionate about talent development, coaching, and mentoring, and who values diversity and inclusion
• resilient, adaptable and able to navigate challenges and lead through change in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment.

Identified Position/Affirmative Measure 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 is required to liaise with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers. You will require cultural competency, including:

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

The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait people.

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

Terry Coughlan 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.