The Opportunity:
The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) is looking for a dynamic and driven Assistant Director, Engagement to lead the delivery of transformative programs and policy initiatives that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
This is a unique opportunity to shape how services are delivered, strengthen community partnerships, and contribute directly to Closing the Gap targets. Your work will have a tangible impact - enhancing program supports, building stronger stakeholder relationships, and improving outcomes in remote communities. You’ll be at the forefront of shaping how the Agency engages with First Nations peoples in remote regions of the West Arnhem, Northern Territory.
As a key leader in the branch, you will:
• drive program development through strategic influence, quality assurance, and risk management
• champion innovation, identifying innovative approaches to improve service delivery and influence regional plans
• drive community engagement that supports stakeholder results, overseeing performance development, reporting and spearheading business improvement ideas
• lead a team to develop expert advice across the departments operational and policy areas to stakeholders, ensuring programs meet community needs
• lead and inspire a dedicated team, fostering an inclusive and culturally safe workplace.
Special requirements include cultural competence, the ability to travel to remote communities (4WD and light aircraft), and experience in operating in complex policy and/or regional and remote environments.
Qualifications in community development service area, strength-based community development, and program administration skills, or other transferable skills and experience are highly desirable.
Our Ideal Candidate:
We're on the lookout for a standout leader to join our team—someone who brings compassion, purpose, and accountability to their work. Our ideal candidate will influence strategic outcomes and uphold cultural integrity, with the following skills and experience:
• proven ability in strategic planning, program delivery, and managing complex initiatives in remote and dynamic environments
• championing innovation and collaboration to lead change and elevate performance
• building respectful, inclusive relationships and contributes meaningfully to cross-agency networks
• translates big-picture strategy into clear team goals and a shared sense of purpose
• working with First Nations service providers across government, non-government, and Aboriginal sector organisations
• demonstrated cultural capability and a commitment to fostering culturally safe, inclusive workplaces
• adept at reviewing and refining programs, policies, and projects to drive continuous improvement
• skilled in coaching, mentoring, and growing talent and supports ongoing staff development —ensuring succession planning is more than a buzzword.
• solid understanding of public sector delegations, governance, and compliance
• a track record of leading teams and delivering results that align with NIAA’s strategic vision and performance goals
• proficient in risk assessment and management using structured frameworks.
