Chief Executive Officer

NIT; Maningrida; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full-time

Two-year fixed term

Salary Packaging

Housing

Car

Relocation

6 weeks leave

Job summary

Nja-marléya is a rapidly growing, Bininj-led, not-for-profit organisation serving Maningrida and surrounding homelands in Arnhem Land. Led by Elders and a Board, this role will steer the organisation through growth with hands-on leadership and strong governance.

The CEO will work closely with Elders to translate community priorities into practical action, ensure financial sustainability, compliance and risk management, and foster a predominantly Aboriginal workforce in remote Arnhem Land

Qualifications

• Hold or obtain National Police Check.
• Obtain Northern Territory Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card).
• Unrestricted NT Drivers Licence.
• Live and work in Maningrida and undertake work-related travel.

Responsibilities

• provide executive leadership and accountability for organisational performance;
• implement the strategic framework and develop achievable operational plans;
• support informed Board decision-making through high-quality advice, reporting and governance systems;
• oversee budgets, government funding, financial controls and grant acquittals;
• strengthen organisational systems, workforce capability and operational effectiveness;
• build local leadership and support the development of a predominantly Aboriginal workforce;
• maintain strong relationships with community, government, funders and partner organisations; and
• ensure organisational risks, compliance obligations and safeguarding responsibilities are effectively managed.

Skills

Executive leadership

Governance

Financial management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

People management

Job description

Full-time | Two-year fixed term | Salary Packaging | Housing | Car | Relocation | 6 weeks leave

About Nja-marléya cultural leaders and Justice group

Elders started the Nja-marléya journey many years ago with a strong vision, continuing the journey in their footsteps.

Nja-marléya is a rapidly growing, Bininj-led, not-for-profit organisation serving Maningrida and surrounding homelands in Arnhem Land. Guided by cultural authority and community priorities, with a focus on keeping culture strong and supporting young people.

The organisation delivers the Cultural Justice Model and Youth Services, provides cultural advisory services and facilitates stronger communities for Children. Its Board brings together representatives of Maningrida’s language groups.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will lead the organisation by turning community priorities and Board direction into practical action. Working alongside Elders and Senior Cultural Leaders, you will respect cultural authority, strengthen local leadership and ensure Nja-marléya remains community-led.

This is not a typical CEO role. In a remote Aboriginal community, leadership requires a hands-on, adaptable and solutions-focused approach. While responsible for strategy, governance, compliance and financial sustainability, you will also be prepared to step in and help solve practical issues when needed.

You will:

• provide executive leadership and accountability for organisational performance;
• implement the strategic framework and develop achievable operational plans;
• support informed Board decision-making through high-quality advice, reporting and governance systems;
• oversee budgets, government funding, financial controls and grant acquittals;
• strengthen organisational systems, workforce capability and operational effectiveness;
• build local leadership and support the development of a predominantly Aboriginal workforce;
• maintain strong relationships with community, government, funders and partner organisations; and
• ensure organisational risks, compliance obligations and safeguarding responsibilities are effectively managed.

About you

You will:

• be a hands-on, energetic leader who is visible and approachable in the community;
• understand that community leadership is about listening first, respecting cultural authority and supporting local decision-making;
• understand local priorities and the realities of living and working in Maningrida and the surrounding homelands, staying informed through regular engagement with community members and local organisations;
• be comfortable leading through rapid growth, staff support, change and competing priorities in a resource-constrained environment;
• bring at least three years’ senior management experience in the community sector and/or First Nations organisations
• have experience delivering organisational plans and managing government funding, with the ability to support effective governance and lead cross-cultural teams;
• demonstrate strong financial management, risk management and organisational leadership capability;
• have extensive experience in community services, cultural governance, social work, justice, education, training, community development or a related field.
• have experience working directly with a First Nations Board or decision-makers in the Northern Territory is preferred, particularly in the Top End; and
• be experienced living and working in remote Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land (which is desirable).

It is essential that you:

• hold, or obtain before commencement, a National Police Check;
• obtain a current Northern Territory Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card);
• have an unrestricted NT Drivers Licence; and
• live and work in Maningrida and undertake work-related travel.

Applications close at 5 pm on Friday 16 October 2026.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams. Following interviews, the preferred candidate may be required to visit Maningrida in late October 2026.

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.