General Manager - Land & LawLead a transformative era for Aboriginal land rights and governance with the Northern Land Council.Your new companyThe 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 catchment 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.Your new roleAs the General Manager, Land and Law, you will report to the Chief Executive Officer and lead multiple service areas, including Legal, Anthropology and Resources & Energy. As a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), you will provide strategic leadership, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations while driving key projects and service delivery improvements. This role requires a strong leader with a deep understanding of land rights legislation, governance, and policy development.Key Responsibilities:Leading a high-performing team to deliver services aligned with the NLC’s vision and strategic priorities.Developing and implementing innovative strategies to enhance operational efficiencies, regional service delivery, and stakeholder engagement.Fostering strong relationships with traditional owners, government agencies, funding bodies, and external partners to advance key priorities.Providing legal oversight and strategic advice to the CEO and Senior Management on high-impact legal and governance matters.Ensuring compliance with the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (ALRA) 1976, Native Title Act (1993), and the Public Governance, Performance, and Accountability Act (2013).Driving organisational change initiatives, including regionalisation strategies and key projects such as Section 19 agreements and royalty disbursements.Embedding a People-Centered Leadership approach to foster a positive workplace culture and improve service outcomes.What you'll need to succeedTo be successful in this role, you will need to be a strategic and influential leader with significant experience in senior management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, particularly in the context of Aboriginal land rights and governance.Master’s degree in Legal, Anthropology, Business, Management, or a related field.Minimum of five years’ experience in a senior management role, leading diverse teams in a complex environment.Strong understanding of Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976, Native Title Act 1993, and related statutory frameworks.Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to engage effectively with traditional owners, government agencies, and external stakeholdersProven ability to lead transformational change, drive innovation, and manage organisational risk.High-level analytical, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making skills.Ability to travel to remote communities; possession of a "C" class driving licence.What you'll get in returnThis is a unique opportunity to drive change and impact in one of Australia’s most significant statutory authorities. The NLC offers an attractive compensation package, including:Superannuation contribution: 14.5% to support long-term financial security.Generous relocation support, including travel and household moving assistanceFlexible work arrangements to support a work-life balance.The chance to make a tangible impact in Aboriginal land rights, governance, and community development.What you need to do nowThe Northern land Council has partnered with Hays Specialist Recruitment for this position and will not be accepting direct applications for Further Information contact Suras Khosla ANZ Legal LeadT: 03 9604 9519E: suras.khosla@hays.com.au or apply via the Hays website link belowGeneral Manager Land & LawThis role is designated under Special Measures, with priority consideration given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. If you are an experienced leader with a passion for Aboriginal land rights, governance, and community development, we encourage you to apply. AUD Darwin City 0800

General Manager Land & Law

General Manager - Land & Law

Lead a transformative era for Aboriginal land rights and governance with the Northern Land Council.

Your new company

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 catchment 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.

Your new role

As the General Manager, Land and Law, you will report to the Chief Executive Officer and lead multiple service areas, including Legal, Anthropology and Resources & Energy. As a key member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), you will provide strategic leadership, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations while driving key projects and service delivery improvements. This role requires a strong leader with a deep understanding of land rights legislation, governance, and policy development.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Leading a high-performing team to deliver services aligned with the NLC’s vision and strategic priorities.

  • Developing and implementing innovative strategies to enhance operational efficiencies, regional service delivery, and stakeholder engagement.

  • Fostering strong relationships with traditional owners, government agencies, funding bodies, and external partners to advance key priorities.

  • Providing legal oversight and strategic advice to the CEO and Senior Management on high-impact legal and governance matters.

  • Ensuring compliance with the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (ALRA) 1976, Native Title Act (1993), and the Public Governance, Performance, and Accountability Act (2013).

  • Driving organisational change initiatives, including regionalisation strategies and key projects such as Section 19 agreements and royalty disbursements.

  • Embedding a People-Centered Leadership approach to foster a positive workplace culture and improve service outcomes.

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you will need to be a strategic and influential leader with significant experience in senior management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, particularly in the context of Aboriginal land rights and governance.

  • Master’s degree in Legal, Anthropology, Business, Management, or a related field.
  • Minimum of five years’ experience in a senior management role, leading diverse teams in a complex environment.
  • Strong understanding of Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976, Native Title Act 1993, and related statutory frameworks.
  • Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to engage effectively with traditional owners, government agencies, and external stakeholders
  • Proven ability to lead transformational change, drive innovation, and manage organisational risk.
  • High-level analytical, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making skills.
  • Ability to travel to remote communities; possession of a "C" class driving licence.

What you'll get in return

This is a unique opportunity to drive change and impact in one of Australia’s most significant statutory authorities. The NLC offers an attractive compensation package, including:

  • Superannuation contribution: 14.5% to support long-term financial security.

  • Generous relocation support, including travel and household moving assistance

  • Flexible work arrangements to support a work-life balance.

  • The chance to make a tangible impact in Aboriginal land rights, governance, and community development.

What you need to do now

The Northern land Council has partnered with Hays Specialist Recruitment for this position and will not be accepting direct applications for Further Information contact 

Suras Khosla 

ANZ Legal Lead

T: 03 9604 9519
E: suras.khosla@hays.com.au 

or apply via the Hays website link below

General Manager Land & Law

This role is designated under Special Measures, with priority consideration given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants. If you are an experienced leader with a passion for Aboriginal land rights, governance, and community development, we encourage you to apply.