The Opportunity:
We’re excited to announce an opportunity for an experienced Director to join our Central Australia Regional team, based in our Alice Springs office. As the Director, you'll have the unique opportunity to:
• work on Regional Strategies and Priorities across the Central Australia region, including leading economic development
• work with a range of communities, including key senior leaders and service providers
• drive outcomes that align with the aspirations of communities and lead staff to deliver the NIAA's work program within the Agency's Key Performance Measures and quality indicators
• research, analyse and provide a regional perspective informing national procedures, programs, policy, this includes a detailed analysis of diverse data and views where there are a range of viable options
• provide advice and support on complex grant processes, including providing feedback on draft guidelines, assessment of application and management of key contracts
• provide excellent stakeholder engagement skills, effectively managing relationships with internal and external partners, individuals and service providers and promote the NIAA's business objectives through key strategic relationships
• create a culturally safe workplace by fostering an environment where the concept of culture, and how it influences the workplace, is understood
• guide the implementation of culturally appropriate strategies for working with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Our Ideal Candidate
As our ideal candidate, you will play a pivotal leadership role in driving strategic direction, managing high-performing teams, and delivering impactful community engagement programs.
This role is responsible for overseeing the branch’s work program, ensuring alignment with national priorities such as Closing the Gap targets, self-determination and economic development while fostering strong partnerships with First Nations communities and stakeholders.
You’ll provide expert advice, champion innovation, and lead culturally informed initiatives that support the NIAA’s mission, with accountability for performance, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker and collaborative leader ready to make a meaningful difference in a dynamic regional setting.
As the lead Commonwealth Agency for Indigenous Australians affairs, you will need to have an appreciation, awareness and understanding of matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities and be committed to strengthening your ongoing cultural competency, as well as demonstrate the following skills and attributes:
• builds a culture that aligns with NIAA values and behaviours
• leads and provides support to a team to deliver the work programs of the Central Australia region including stakeholder visits
• supports budget, business, risk and quality assurance planning processes using the appropriate NIAA Frameworks
• maintains and influences strong stakeholder partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders including First Nations peoples, community partners, business and organisations
• engage and manage stakeholder expectations of the NIAA work program, priorities, giving particular consideration to local and cultural sensitivities and stakeholder business imperatives
• represents and negotiates on behalf of the NIAA to advance the Agency's interests in cross agency forums
• provides a strategic level of specialist, professional and/or technical expertise and advice to the NIAA Executive
• leverage the expert skills and knowledge of staff
• communicate effectively and make decisions that may have significant impact on the day-to- day operation of the branch and other parts of the Agency; and/or a direct and significant impact on the outcome of a program or major project for the Agency.
What We Offer:
· We have exciting work with real purpose. We support the aspirations of First Nations Peoples—it’s our driving force. Our work is transformational, you can follow your passion, shape your career and make a difference.
· We value our employees —they’re the heart of our Agency. Employees are supported and empowered to build their career. We are a diverse, inclusive and passionate workforce with an emphasis on continuous cultural learning and tailored professional development.
· Our work relies on strong and trusted relationships — we build partnerships by being authentic, sharing information and giving honest feedback. We collaborate with communities across Australia, all levels of government and many other invested stakeholders.
Eligibility:
· To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.
· The occupant must be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected) level security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
· The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check
How to apply:
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Submit an online application through the NIAA Careers Page by 11:30pm 17-Nov-2025 AEDT
