Location: Darwin Status: Full-time  Step into a career that blends strategic impact with self-determination and grounded delivery. At the Northern Land Council (NLC), you’ll contribute to sustainable development projects that respond to the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal communities across the Northern Territory.About the RoleProvide strategic and operational leadership to grow the impact of the NLC’s Community Planning & Development (CP&D) program, ensuring continuous improvement in the quality of service delivery. Manage a diverse team to provide high quality engagement, planning, advocacy, governance and project management support to Aboriginal groups in the Top End. Implement strategies to maximise access to sustainable social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits for Traditional Owners. What You Will Bring:You will have a previous background in community engagement, program delivery, and evaluation. You're confident leading a team, keeping projects on track, and managing budgets with care. You can build rapport with diverse groups—whether it’s staff, Traditional Owners (TO’s) Government reps, or partner organisations—and you bring a calm, clear approach to problem-solving and direction.In Addition to this we are looking for:A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in project management in a community context.A minimum of three (3) years’ senior operational leadership and supervisory experience.Experience working in a culturally responsive way within an Aboriginal and/or international development context, preferably involving capacity building, self-determination and/or participatory planning. Excellent understanding of governance and decision-making systems, corporate governance, negotiations and agreement-making.C Class drivers’ licence. For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.Why Join the NLC?At the NLC, you’ll thrive in a supportive and inclusive workplace that values professional growth, cultural respect, and work-life balance.What’s in it for you?This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful, community-driven work. You’ll see the aspirations of diverse groups come to life while growing your leadership and hands-on experience across diverse and impactful projects. Opportunities to support and empower Aboriginal people to drive their own development, as well as lead a diverse and close-knit team. The satisfaction of driving meaningful change in communities, as well as attractive benefits. Be part of something bigger—where your work truly matters!We offer: Annual Salary: Minimum $135K plus 14% Superannuation (Negotiable)Salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 and additional Meal Entertainment Generous leave entitlements such as 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave per annum, and paid Christmas shut down. Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and experience will you bring to the role. If you have any further queries please contact: Kylie Burn 08 8980 1929This vacancy is an Aboriginal prioritised position.  Eligible Aboriginal applicants will be given priority consideration as per the special measures provision of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT).  All other applicants will only be assessed for selection if there is no suitable Aboriginal special measures applicant who accepts the vacancyApplications Close: Friday 30th May 2025Applications will be assessed upon receipt. We retain the right to finalise the recruitment process once a suitable candidate has been identified.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.  CD01 Community Planning & Development Manager PD April 2025 AUD Darwin 0800

Community Planning & Development Manager

  • Location: Darwin
  • Status: Full-time

 

Step into a career that blends strategic impact with self-determination and grounded delivery. At the Northern Land Council (NLC), you’ll contribute to sustainable development projects that respond to the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal communities across the Northern Territory.

About the Role

Provide strategic and operational leadership to grow the impact of the NLC’s Community Planning & Development (CP&D) program, ensuring continuous improvement in the quality of service delivery. Manage a diverse team to provide high quality engagement, planning, advocacy, governance and project management support to Aboriginal groups in the Top End. Implement strategies to maximise access to sustainable social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits for Traditional Owners.

What You Will Bring:

You will have a previous background in community engagement, program delivery, and evaluation. You're confident leading a team, keeping projects on track, and managing budgets with care. You can build rapport with diverse groups—whether it’s staff, Traditional Owners (TO’s) Government reps, or partner organisations—and you bring a calm, clear approach to problem-solving and direction.

In Addition to this we are looking for:

  • A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in project management in a community context.
  • A minimum of three (3) years’ senior operational leadership and supervisory experience.
  • Experience working in a culturally responsive way within an Aboriginal and/or international development context, preferably involving capacity building, self-determination and/or participatory planning. 
  • Excellent understanding of governance and decision-making systems, corporate governance, negotiations and agreement-making.
  • C Class drivers’ licence.

 

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

Why Join the NLC?

At the NLC, you’ll thrive in a supportive and inclusive workplace that values professional growth, cultural respect, and work-life balance.

What’s in it for you?

This role offers the opportunity to lead meaningful, community-driven work. You’ll see the aspirations of diverse groups come to life while growing your leadership and hands-on experience across diverse and impactful projects. Opportunities to support and empower Aboriginal people to drive their own development, as well as lead a diverse and close-knit team. The satisfaction of driving meaningful change in communities, as well as attractive benefits.

 

Be part of something bigger—where your work truly matters!

We offer:

  • Annual Salary: Minimum $135K plus 14% Superannuation (Negotiable)
  • Salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 and additional Meal Entertainment 
  • Generous leave entitlements such as 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave per annum, and paid Christmas shut down.

 

Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and experience will you bring to the role.

If you have any further queries please contact: Kylie Burn 08 8980 1929

This vacancy is an Aboriginal prioritised position.  Eligible Aboriginal applicants will be given priority consideration as per the special measures provision of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT).  All other applicants will only be assessed for selection if there is no suitable Aboriginal special measures applicant who accepts the vacancy

Applications Close: Friday 30th May 2025

Applications will be assessed upon receipt. We retain the right to finalise the recruitment process once a suitable candidate has been identified.

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. 

 

CD01 Community Planning & Development Manager PD April 2025