Principal Project Lead - Pandanus Park

WCA Solutions; Derby; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation in Derby seeks a Principal Project Lead to guide governance, compliance and funding delivery across a Minderoo Foundation-supported program. You will work closely with the CEO and Pandanus Park Aboriginal Corporation to rebuild a community-controlled organisation and deliver the Derby Early Years Partnership.

The role blends board-facing governance with hands‑on project delivery, grant writing, risk management and strategic partnerships.

Qualifications

• Senior experience in project management, governance or program delivery.
• Strong knowledge of CATSI Act, ORIC and ACNC requirements.
• Proven track record in grant writing and funding acquisition.
• Financial and commercial acumen to assess project viability and funding opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement with government, funders and community.
• Experience with Aboriginal organisations or community services is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, coordination and delivery of projects including the Derby Early Years Partnership.
• Establish governance frameworks aligned with CATSI Act, ORIC and ACNC requirements; support Board and CEO in risk and oversight.
• Identify, pursue and secure funding opportunities; manage grants, tenders and funding agreements.

Skills

Senior project management

Governance experience

Grant writing

Funding acquisition

Stakeholder engagement

Aboriginal organisations experience

Resilience & adaptability

National Police Clearance

Working With Children Check

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Job description

Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation is seeking an experienced and community-minded Principal Project Lead to deliver in landmark governance and capability-building partnership with Pandanus Park Aboriginal Corporation (PPAC), backed by a three-year Minderoo Foundation Grant and Collaboration Agreement. This is a rare opportunity to play a founding role in rebuilding a community-controlled Aboriginal Corporation from the ground up, combining governance expertise, funding acumen and project leadership to deliver real, lasting outcomes for the Pandanus Park community and the Derby Early Years Partnership.

About Ngunga

Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit, Indigenous community-based charitable organisation that has operated in the Derby region for over 38 years. Founded in the early 1980s through Ngunga Designs, a silk screen printing program, Ngunga has grown into a dynamic organisation that responds to the changing needs of the local community, delivering and supporting government-funded programs for Indigenous and local families, including Culture and Language programs, Playgroups (including a Mobile Playgroup), a Recycled Clothes Op Shop, Connected Beginnings, HIPPY and Dunyji Jarndu (strong Woman) & Ooba Babanil (Small Children) Program. Ngunga is always exploring new business and enterprise opportunities for the local Indigenous community.

About the Role

Working closely with the CEO of Ngunga and the Board of Pandanus Park, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across governance, compliance, funding acquisition and project delivery, supporting the Board to meet its obligations under the CATSI Act and ORIC, and driving the funding, grants and partnerships that secure the Corporation's long-term sustainability. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone equally comfortable in a Board meeting, a funding negotiation and a project site, and motivated by delivering meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal community and community-controlled organisations.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery & Performance

• Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of projects including the Derby Early Years Partnership, on time, within scope and within budget
• Monitor project performance, outcomes and reporting obligations

Governance, Board Engagement & Compliance

• Establish and maintain governance frameworks aligned with the CATSI Act, ORIC and ACNC requirements
• Support the Board and CEO in fulfilling governance, risk and oversight responsibilities
• Coordinate Board and committee processes, including agendas, papers and reporting

Funding, Grants & Financial Sustainability

• Identify, pursue and secure funding opportunities, leading grant applications, tenders and business cases
• Manage funding agreements, acquittals and relationships with funding bodies
• Support revenue diversification and long-term financial sustainability

Business Development & Strategic Partnerships

• Build strategic partnerships with government, funders and community stakeholders to support Corporation growth and service expansion
• Represent the Corporation in external forums, networks and consultations

Risk, Accountability & Leadership

• Identify and manage risk across governance, funding and project delivery, embedding accountability and transparency
• Provide leadership and mentoring that builds the Corporation's capability in compliance, grant management and project delivery

What You'll Bring

• Demonstrated senior experience in project management, governance or program delivery
• Strong working knowledge of the CATSI Act, ORIC and ACNC requirements, including experience supporting Boards and committees
• A track record in grant writing, funding acquisition and managing funding agreements
• Sound financial and commercial acumen, with the ability to assess project viability and funding opportunities
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build genuine, lasting relationships with government, funders and community
• Experience working with Aboriginal organisations or community services is highly regarded, along with a genuine understanding of Aboriginal culture and community priorities
• Resilience, adaptability and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic, remote environment
• A relevant tertiary qualification (desirable), current driver's license, and the ability to obtain a National Police Clearance and Working With Children Check

Why Join Ngunga

This role sits at the heart of a genuinely transformative partnership between Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation, Pandanus Park Aboriginal Corporation and the Minderoo Foundation, a multi-year commitment to rebuilding sustainable, community-led governance near Derby in the West Kimberley. You'll have the backing of an experienced, community-respected organisation, a clear multi-year workplan, genuine autonomy and strategic influence, and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for Pandanus Park families and children.

Ngunga Group Women's Aboriginal Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.