Economic Development Officer - Sea Country

Northern Land Council; Darwin; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Annual airfare (net value) $3,453

District allowance up to $5,064 (DA2)

District allowance $2,777 (DA1)

5 weeks annual leave

18 days personal leave

Meal entertainment benefit up to $2,?

Holiday accommodation benefit up to $2

Job summary

The Northern Land Council (NLC) seeks an experienced Economic Development Officer – Sea Country to support Traditional Owners in identifying and progressing economic opportunities that align with Sea Country aspirations and community priorities.

You will work with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations, government and industry to develop sustainable initiatives, build partnerships and provide expert advice that delivers social, cultural and economic benefits.

Qualifications

• Qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in economic development, business development, regional development, project management or a related field.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, relationship management and communication skills.
• Experience preparing reports, business cases, project documentation and strategic advice.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes within agreed timeframes.
• An understanding of Aboriginal cultural protocols and the ability to work effectively with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners.

Responsibilities

• Identify and progress economic development opportunities that align with the aspirations of Traditional Owners.
• Provide specialist advice on economic development, investment and business initiatives across Sea Country.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations, government agencies and industry stakeholders.
• Undertake research, analysis and strategic reporting to inform decision‑making and future opportunities.
• Manage and coordinate projects and initiatives to deliver sustainable cultural, social and economic outcomes.

Skills

Economic development

Business development

Regional development

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Report writing

Strategic advice

Job description

• Location: Darwin
• Status: Full-time Ongoing
• Salary package: $122,555 Per Annum (Inclusive of 15% superannuation)
• Relocation Assistance available for eligible interstate applicant, in accordance with the NLC Enterprise Agreement.

Help Create Lasting Economic Opportunities for Traditional Owners.

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is looking for an experienced and driven Economic Development Officer – Sea Country to support Traditional Owners in identifying and progressing economic development opportunities that align with their aspirations for Sea Country and community.

This role offers the opportunity to work directly with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations, government and industry stakeholders to help develop sustainable economic initiatives across Sea Country. You'll play a key role in building partnerships, providing expert advice and supporting projects that deliver meaningful social, cultural and economic outcomes.

About The Role

As the Economic Development Officer – Sea Country, you will provide specialist economic development advice and project support across a diverse range of initiatives. You will work collaboratively with stakeholders to identify opportunities, support investment and development activities, and contribute to positive outcomes for Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Identify and progress economic development opportunities that align with the aspirations of Traditional Owners.
• Provide specialist advice on economic development, investment and business initiatives across Sea Country.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations, government agencies and industry stakeholders.
• Undertake research, analysis and strategic reporting to inform decision‑making and future opportunities.
• Manage and coordinate projects and initiatives to deliver sustainable cultural, social and economic outcomes.

What You Will Bring

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in economic development, business development, regional development, project management or a related field.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, relationship management and communication skills.
• Experience preparing reports, business cases, project documentation and strategic advice.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes within agreed timeframes.
• An understanding of Aboriginal cultural protocols and the ability to work effectively with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners.

What’s in it for you?

At the NLC, you will be part of an organisation committed to protecting the rights and interests of Traditional Owners while supporting Aboriginal‑led economic development across the Northern Territory. Working with us means contributing to meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal communities while enjoying a supportive workplace that values collaboration, innovation and professional growth.

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 $5,064 (DA2) per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,777 (DA1) without dependents;
• Generous leave provisions 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave;
• Paid Christmas close down;
• Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $3,453;

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 in accordance with the NLC's Special Measures provisions and Section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.

Applications Close: Monday, 2 November 2026

About The NLC

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC. We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.

DS52 Economic Development Officer - Sea Country