Chief Executive Officer

NIT; Katherine; On-site; AUD 225,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation on Jawoyn Country in the Northern Territory is seeking a permanent Chief Executive Officer to lead the group of companies, enterprises and programs that employ Jawoyn people, care for Country and support families.

You will report to the Board through the Chairperson and work closely with the Council of Elders, guiding strategy and ensuring governance and accountability across all entities.

Qualifications

• Senior executive leadership experience in a complex organisation.
• Strong governance and financial stewardship demonstrated.

Responsibilities

• Oversee performance, financial sustainability and integrity of the group.
• Lead the Executive Leadership Team and governance of tourism and enterprise businesses.
• Ensure compliance with governance and legal obligations across entities.
• Guide the organisation through Healthy Country Plan 2018-2028 and beyond.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Governance

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary qualifications in business/governance

Job description

• Lead a community controlled Aboriginal group on Jawoyn Country.
• Lead one of the Territory's most respected Aboriginal organisations.
• $250,000 base plus superannuation, accommodation in Katherine and a fully maintained vehicle with personal use.

Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation has been building an independent future for the Jawoyn people since 1985. It owns Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge in Nitmiluk National Park, the Beagle Hotel and the Jawoyn Leliyn Kiosk. It runs ranger and fire management programs across Jawoyn Country, and family, healing and member services in Katherine and the communities.

It is community controlled, answers to its members and is governed by a Board elected by members from Jawoyn communities. The Board is now looking for a permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the whole group.

About the role

This is not a standard corporate CEO role. You will lead a group of companies, enterprises and programs that together employ Jawoyn people, care for Country and support families. You will report to the Board through the Chairperson and work closely with the Council of Elders, who hold cultural authority and give guidance to the Board and the CEO.

You will be responsible for:

• the performance, financial sustainability and integrity of the group
• leading the Executive Leadership Team
• overseeing the tourism and enterprise businesses through their general managers and boards
• making sure the Association meets its governance and legal obligations
• leading the Association through the final years of its Healthy Country Plan 2018-2028 and into the plan that follows.

Who we are looking for

You have led at senior executive level in a complex organisation, and you are comfortable being accountable to a board. You have strong commercial and financial judgement and a record of leaving organisations stronger than you found them.

Just as important, you have a proven record of working effectively under Aboriginal community control. You seek advice before making decisions, respect cultural authority and understand that it rests with Elders and Traditional Owners. You are equally credible with Elders and community as you are with government, funders and commercial partners, and you can build trust with all of them.

You will develop Jawoyn and Aboriginal people into leadership roles, keep people safe across a large and remote region, and communicate clearly with members and community.

Tertiary qualifications and experience under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 are valued. Lived experience, cultural knowledge and community leadership count too.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply, and the Board would welcome an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander CEO. This is not an identified position. The appointment will be made on merit, to the person best able to lead the Association.

What you will need

• a Northern Territory Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card), or the ability to obtain one
• a satisfactory National Police Check
• to not be disqualified from managing a corporation
• a current driver licence and willingness to travel regularly across Jawoyn Country.

Shortlisting will take place in November, with interviews in late November and a start in early 2027. Applications close Monday 2 November 2026. All enquiries are handled in confidence.

The National Indigenous Times acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation. We recognise Aboriginal Community's continuing connection to their lands, waters and stories and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.