The Opportunity:

The Assistant Director, Strategic Engagement & Collaboration is a key leadership role within the Central Australia Region North (Barkly) team, responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across engagement activities in the region. The role leads people, programs and stakeholder relationships to ensure services and initiatives are responsive to community priorities and government objectives.

This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in building strong partnerships and delivering meaningful outcomes for communities across the Barkly Region. Key priorities are to:

lead regional engagement activities and programs that deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities across the Barkly region
build and maintain strong partnerships with Aboriginal communities, Traditional Owners, service providers, government agencies and other key stakeholders
provide leadership and support to staff, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and culturally safe team environment
manage complex issues, risks and competing priorities, applying sound judgement and strategic thinking to achieve results
drive continuous improvement through effective program oversight, performance monitoring and quality assurance
contribute to regional strategic planning and lead initiatives that strengthen community outcomes, service delivery and organisational performance.

The position is based at our NIAA office in Tennant Creek and will involve travel across the Barkly Region NT, primarily by car including overnight stays.

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:

lead and deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in a complex environment
build and maintain strong relationships across government, community and service provider sectors
represent the Agency with confidence, influencing stakeholders and communicating effectively
lead, develop and support high-performing teams within a culturally safe and inclusive workplace
apply strategic thinking and sound judgement to manage priorities, risks and emerging issues
drive continuous improvement and achieve results across programs, projects, policy or community engagement initiatives
demonstrate resilience, integrity and professionalism while working with a high degree of independence
build trust, strengthen partnerships and contribute to the NIAA's vision and strategic objectives.

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 Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 11:30pm AEDT.

Jobs in Tennant Creek

Assistant Director, Strategic Engagement & Collaboration, Central Australia Region

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