Darwin-Based CEO: Lead Aboriginal Policy & Grants in NT

Beilby Downing Teal Pty Ltd; Darwin; On-site; AUD 213,000 - 288,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary sacrificing benefits

Job summary

APONT in Darwin is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to advance the rights, health and livelihoods of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory. You will report to the APONT directors and oversee about 15 staff while guiding grant programs, including the NT Remote Aboriginal Investment.

The role requires high-level visionary, strategic and authentic leadership to steer through complex political contexts and engage effectively with government, Aboriginal communities and boards.

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience in Aboriginal organisations
• Experience managing grants
• Ability to lead through complex political contexts
• Understanding of NT Aboriginal context and communities

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation’s mandate and advocate for Aboriginal rights, health and livelihoods in the NT
• Manage day-to-day operations and approximately 15 employees
• Oversee grant programs including the NT Remote Aboriginal Investment
• Lead negotiations with all three levels of government

Job description

Opportunity to lead an organisation working to close the gap in remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory

• Remuneration of $250,000 + super + salary sacrificing
• Three-year contract, Darwin based role
• Role for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people only

THE ORGANISATION

Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory (APONT) is an Aboriginal controlled charitable alliance of eight peak Aboriginal organisations. It was created to provide coordinated responses to key issues and concerns of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory (NT). For 15 years APONT has been instrumental in negotiating new ways forward for NT Aboriginal people and communities by influencing government policy and ways of working. This includes the historic $842.6 million NT Remote Aboriginal Investment partnership agreement signed by APONT, the Commonwealth Government and the Northern Territory Government in February 2025.

THE ROLE

This role is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only. Reporting to, and working closely with the APONT directors, the CEO will continue the organisation’s mandate, to advocate for and advance the rights, health, and livelihoods of Aboriginal people in the NT. The CEO will manage the day-to-day operations and around 15 employees with a key priority of managing grant programs as part of the NT Remote Aboriginal Investment, with $61 million to be delivered directly by APONT over the next five years. The CEO will lead negotiations with all three levels of government and maintain a commitment to leading Aboriginal involvement in policy development and implementation, and to expanding opportunities for Aboriginal community control.

REQUIREMENTS

If you have experience at an executive level in an Aboriginal organisation and experience of managing grants, we would be interested to hear from you. A track record of leading through significant and complex political contexts, change and growth, will be essential, as will a demonstrated understanding of the political, social and Aboriginal context in the NT. High level visionary, strategic and authentic leadership skills will be critical to success in this role.

THE PACKAGE

In return you will receive a three-year contract and a competitive remuneration package of $250,000 plus superannuation and access to salary sacrificing benefits.

To apply please click the Apply Now button or visit www.beilbydt.com.au quoting reference 1133251. Please provide a comprehensive resume together with a one-page covering letter, outlining your interest in the position and addressing your suitability to the role.

Download an Application Pack here: https://beilbydt.com.au/application-packs

For initial enquiries, or for any assistance you may need in making your application, please contact Emily Bulloch for a confidential discussion on 0427 582 402 or [e-mail].

Applications will close at 5.30pm ACST on Friday 11 September 2026.

The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under s8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1996 (NT).