Manager, Community Development and Engagement

Apunipima Cape York Health Council; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 105,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

5 weeks annual leave

Salary packaging up to $15,900

Induction & professional development

EAP program

Job summary

Apunipima Cape York Health Council in Cairns, QLD, seeks a Manager of Community Development and Engagement to lead community-driven engagement and input into service planning. You will develop strategies, supervise staff, and work across remote communities, requiring travel by 4WD or light aircraft.

Mandatory qualifications include a relevant degree or leadership in Indigenous community work, Queensland Driver’s Licence, Blue Card, and AFP Check.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to source, analyse and interpret complex data and present findings.
• Extensive experience leading staff, setting objectives and coaching teams.
• Strong understanding of historical and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Ability to travel regularly to remote communities by 4WD or light aircraft.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to improve understanding of the organisation.
• Lead the development of Health Action Teams and engage community members for input into service planning.
• Support service operations to increase access to health and wellbeing programs through community engagement.

Skills

Data analysis & reporting

Staff supervision

Stakeholder engagement

Cultural protocols

Travel to remote communities

Education

Community development or Indigenous leadership

Job description

Manager, Community Development and Engagement

Apunipima Cape York Health Council – Cairns QLD

Apunipima Cape York Health Council is a community controlled Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health service. Servicing the communities of Cape York, with the main office is located in Cairns, Apunipima delivers public health care, and social and emotional well-being care, to community members. Being a part of the team at Apunipima means helping us deliver essential services as well as building capacity in communities to manage their own health care needs.

About the Opportunity

The purpose of the position of Manager, Community Development and Engagement is to:

• Develop and implement strategies to improve Cape York communities’ understanding of the work of the organisation
• Lead the development of local Health Action Teams and engagement of community members to enable community input into service planning and delivery
• Support service operations to increase access to health and wellbeing programs delivered across Cape York communities through improved community engagement.

Under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (QLD), there is a genuine occupational requirement for the incumbent to be Indigenous to the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community.

About you

To be successful in the role you will need;

• Proven ability to source, analyse and interpret complex data and information, and present findings through clear reports, presentations and community consultations to diverse stakeholders, including Elders, community leaders, service providers and community groups.
• Extensive experience leading and supervising staff, including setting performance objectives, coaching team members, conducting performance reviews and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of the historical and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly within Cape York communities, with the ability to engage respectfully and effectively in accordance with cultural protocols, customs and principles of community control.
• Highly developed organisational, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with a proven ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, negotiate outcomes and travel regularly to remote communities by 4WD or light aircraft as required.

Mandatory Requirement

• Qualification in community development, community services or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership.
• Current Queensland Drivers Licence
• Blue Card (Working with Children Card)
• Australian Federal Police Check

Why work for us?

• Competitive salary $117,139per annum
• Modern facilities and resources
• 5 weeks annual leave & 17.5% leave loading
• Generous salary packaging of up to $15,900 per year
• Induction, professional development and learning opportunities
• EAP program

Our Culture

Apunipima, meaning "united - all in one" in Injinoo Ikya, was established in 1994 to advocate and support the health needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Cape York. Over the years, Apunipima has expanded to become a key primary health care provider across Cape York. Guided by the "Apunipima Way," Apunipima is committed to service by the people, for the people, upholding the right to self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge and respect the voices of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Cape York and ensure our services are culturally responsive, informed, respectful, and ethically sound.

Applications close on 28 September 2026.

If you would like to have a confidential discussion about this role, or if you have any questions, please contact**@apunipima.org.au

Apunipima Cape York Health Council is an equal-opportunity employer