Senior Program Officer

Queensland Government; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work

Work-life balance

Development opportunities

Public service benefits

Job summary

Queensland Government's DETSI unit seeks a passionate leader to guide a high performing team, coordinating policy, communication and relationship-building with First Nations people to deliver environmental, economic and cultural outcomes. You will develop and implement an annual Communications plan for the Program, manage grant contracts with First Nations organisations, and support project delivery.

Open to all applicants, priority will be given to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

Qualifications

• Knowledge or the ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of policy, legislation and frameworks related to First Nations rights and aspirations.
• Excellent oral and written communication for web-page material, media statements, publications and events.
• Contract management with accountability, maintaining administrative systems and meeting deadlines.
• High interpersonal and negotiation skills with First Nations stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual Communications plan for the Program.
• Manage grant contracts with First Nations organisations with strong accountability, maintaining administrative systems and recordkeeping.
• Provide support and coordination to the program team assisting with implementation of the program's communication plan and projects.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with First Nations people, officers in QPWS&P and other government departments to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Participate as a proactive team member and supervise staff to build capability within the Unit.

Skills

Policy knowledge

Oral and written communication

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Here at DETSI, you'll be inspired to make Queensland better and contribute to ensuring one of the world’s most diverse natural environments is maintained for the health and prosperity of current and future generations. We are building better partnerships with First Nations people to deliver benefits and improved environmental, economic, cultural, and social outcomes. We are looking for someone to join a passionate, high performing team, committed to re-framing relationships with First Nations people. You should have proven ability leading a team and projects, as well as analysing and solving problems, and providing expert advice.

The people we serve come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and lived experiences, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our department stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for the environment and science, you will find a home at DETSI.

Your Contribution

• Develop and implement an annual Communications plan for the Program.
• Manage grant contracts with First Nations organisations with a strong focus on accountability, maintaining administrative systems and recordkeeping.
• Provide support and coordination to the program team assisting with implementation of the program's communication plan and associated projects.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with First Nations people, officers in QPWS&P and other government departments to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Participate as a proactive team member in contributing to Unit and Branch outcomes and supervise and mentor staff as required to build capability and resilience within the Unit.

What's in it for you?

• Join a supportive high-performing team with a positive culture and inspiring leadership!
• Enjoy fantastic flexibility, benefits, work life balance, significant development opportunities as a public servant of Queensland!
• Work where you can truly engage your values and sense of purpose to safeguarding the environment for Queenslanders.
• You’ll experience so much here. For most of us, it starts with our wonderful people and the rich, diverse perspectives they bring. They're dedicated, passionate and curious professionals. We’re all different, and those differences are what make us great.

About You

• Knowledge or the ability to rapidly acquire knowledge, of policy, legislation and frameworks as they relate to the rights and aspirations of First Nations people.
• Demonstrated high level of oral and written communication skills particularly with respect to the preparation of web-page material, media statements, publications and support of events.
• Contract management skills with a strong focus on accountability, maintaining administrative systems, including the ability to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities, manage changes and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement to meet deadlines and commitments
• High level interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of other key stakeholders, in particular First Nations people

This role is open to all applicants, however applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander that meet the minimum requirements for the role will be given priority consideration and invited to participate in the next selection activity.

Applications to remain current for 12 months

Job Ad Reference: QLD/702574/26

Closing Date: Monday, 12 October 2026

Occupational group Administration