Community Economic Development Officer

Northern Land Council; Jabiru; On-site; AUD 107,000 - 123,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation in Jabiru

Vehicle for work purposes

Job summary

Northern Land Council in Jabiru, Australia, seeks a Community Economic Development Officer to lead community-driven development, investment planning and governance across Kakadu and West Arnhem. You’ll support Traditional Owners in turning aspirations into lasting opportunities, coordinating housing, infrastructure and enterprise investments with strong cultural governance.

The role requires delivering living on country and empowerment initiatives, strengthening governance, and building

Qualifications

• Experience in community-led economic development with Indigenous communities.
• Strong ability to plan investments and govern governance frameworks.
• Proven partnership-building with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal organisations.
• Current driver’s licence and willingness to travel to remote areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead community-led economic development initiatives and governance.
• Oversee Living on Country and Economic Empowerment Fund investments.
• Strengthen governance and financial capability across Kakadu and West Arnhem.
• Build partnerships connecting community priorities with funding, enterprise and employment opportunities.

Skills

Community development

Investment planning

Governance facilitation

Cultural governance

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary qualifications in economic development or related field

Job description

Salary package: $122,556 inclusive of base and 15% Superannuation

Accommodation in Jabiru and a Vehicle for work purposes are provided for this position

Support Traditional Owners to turn their aspirations into lasting economic opportunities. Bring your community development, investment and enterprise expertise to a senior role helping Aboriginal people live, work and prosper on Country across Kakadu and West Arnhem.

About the Role

The Northern Land Council is seeking a Community Economic Development Officer to lead community-led economic development, investment planning and governance initiatives. Reporting to the Manager Community Planning & Development, you will work with the 14 clan groups of Kakadu National Park and other Traditional Owner groups, supporting economic participation and development that reflects their individual priorities and cultural governance systems.

You will lead the implementation and ongoing development of the Living on Country and Economic Empowerment Fund, supporting investment in housing, infrastructure, enterprises and other long-term initiatives while maintaining Traditional Owners’ control over investment decisions. Your work will include assessing opportunities, strengthening governance and financial capability, supporting emerging leaders, and building partnerships that connect community priorities with funding, enterprise and employment opportunities.

What you will Bring

You are an experienced economic or community development professional who can combine strategic thinking with practical delivery. You listen carefully, build trust and support communities to make informed decisions on their own terms. You bring sound judgement in assessing investment and enterprise opportunities, strong facilitation skills and the ability to work respectfully with different cultural governance structures and development aspirations.

In addition to this, you will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in economic development, community development, business, regional development, Indigenous development or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated professional experience.
• Proven experience in economic, community or enterprise development, investment facilitation or a related field, including understanding Aboriginal economic development, social enterprise and business models.
• Experience working with Aboriginal communities, Traditional Owners, Aboriginal corporations or Aboriginal-controlled organisations, and supporting community-led planning, governance and capability development.
• Experience developing or implementing funding, investment, grant-making, benefit-sharing or economic development programs, supported by strong partnership-building, communication and reporting skills.

A current C Class driver’s licence and willingness to undertake regular remote area travel is a requirement of this position

For a full copy of the Position Description, refer to link below

What’s in it for you?

This role offers the opportunity to connect community planning with practical investment and enterprise outcomes, strengthen local leadership and support economic opportunities that benefit current and future generations.

We offer:

• A base salary of $ 106,570 per annum plus 15% superannuation paid on Base and District Allowance
• salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefit up to $2,650 per year.
• Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include
  • District allowance of up to $6,372 (DA3) per annum for individuals without dependents and $10,293 (DA4) with dependents.
  • Generous leave provisions5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave;
  • Paid Christmas close down;
  • Upon completion of 12 months of service anAnnual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $3,453

Applications close: Wednesday 28 November 2026

The Northern Land Council is committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. This position is a prioritised position, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants who meet the selection requirements will be given priority consideration under the NLC’s Special Measures provisions.

About the NLC

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth, established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. Our purpose is to serve Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal people living within our region. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to our work. We support Aboriginal people’s social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on issues affecting their lands, seas, culture and communities.