Community Economic Development Manager

Many Rivers Microfinance; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Many Rivers Microfinance in Townsville region is seeking a Community Economic Development Manager to work with Indigenous community organisations and their leaders across North Queensland. This role focuses on listening, coaching, mentoring and supporting communities to achieve their own economic and social goals, rather than directing outcomes, with a long-term, capacity-building approach.

You will collaborate with government agencies, businesses and stakeholders to unlock opportunities and

Qualifications

• Experience in community development or related fields is preferred.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to coach, mentor and support communities.

Responsibilities

• Work with Indigenous organisations for the long term to strengthen governance, strategic planning, compliance, business development and employment opportunities.
• Listen, coach, and mentor communities to achieve their own goals rather than directing outcomes.
• Collaborate with government agencies, businesses and other stakeholders to unlock opportunities and build local capability.

Job description

Many Rivers exists to help Indigenous and other Australians in disadvantaged circumstances to improve their situations through the provision of microenterprise and community economic development support. We create change and economic opportunities through the work we do. Inspired by Christian values we provide a culture centred around Care, Respect and Accountability.

We are seeking a Community Economic Development Manager (CEDM) based in the Townsville region to work directly with Indigenous community organisations and their leaders across North Queensland.

This is not a traditional consulting or business advisory role.

It is an opportunity to use the skills and experience you have built over your career to support communities in achieving their own economic and social goals. For the right person, this role offers a unique chance to transition from building businesses and organisations to building community capacity, creating impact and leaving a lasting legacy.

About the Role

Our Community Economic Development Managers work alongside Indigenous organisations for the long term, often over a five-year period. Through trusted relationships, they help communities strengthen governance, strategic planning, compliance, business development and employment opportunities.

Rather than directing outcomes, our approach focuses on listening, coaching, mentoring and supporting communities to achieve the goals they have identified for themselves.

You will work across a diverse range of projects and industries, partnering with community leaders, Traditional Owner groups, government agencies, businesses and other stakeholders to help unlock opportunities and build local capability.

This Role Could Be Ideal For Someone Who Has:

• Built a successful career in business, government, banking, consulting, accounting, agribusiness, tourism, community development or a related field.
• Experience leading organisations, managing teams or running their own business.
• A desire to use their knowledge and experience for a greater purpose.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A genuine commitment to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• The ability to coach, mentor and support others rather than simply provide advice.
• Excellent commercial acumen and financial literacy.
• High levels of integrity, humility, respect and cultural awareness.
• Demonstrated experience working respectfully and constructively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
• Proven ability to engage and work collaboratively with government, community and corporate stakeholders.
• Strong business and financial management capability, including the interpretation of financial statements and business performance information.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a highly collaborative and values-driven national team.
• A commitment to stewardship, community outcomes and building the capability of others.

Highly Regarded

• Experience as a business owner, executive, senior manager, consultant or advisor.
• Experience working with Indigenous organisations, corporations or governing bodies.
• Exposure to governance, strategic planning, organisational development or community development.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and customer relationship management systems.

Many Rivers promotes and values diversity to create a unique work force. Applicants from diverse backgrounds, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with disability or people from differentcultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Successful candidates must complete pre-employment requirements including Criminal History check, Equifax Check and Working with Children/ Vulnerable People check.