Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer

Maningrida, Northern Territory

Full-time | Two-year fixed term | Salary Packaging | Housing | Car | Relocation | 6 weeks leave

About Nja-marléya cultural leaders and Justice group

Elders started the Nja-marléya journey many years ago with a strong vision, continuing the journey in their footsteps.

Nja-marléya is a rapidly growing, Bininj-led, not-for-profit organisation serving Maningrida and surrounding homelands in Arnhem Land. Guided by cultural authority and community priorities, with a focus on keeping culture strong and supporting young people.

The organisation delivers the Cultural Justice Model and Services, provides cultural advisory services and facilitates stronger communities for Children. Its Board brings together representatives of Maningrida’s language groups.

About the role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will lead the organisation by turning community priorities and Board direction into practical action. Working alongside Elders and Senior Cultural Leaders, you will respect cultural authority, strengthen local leadership and ensure Nja-marléya remains community-led.

This is not a typical CEO role. In a remote Aboriginal community, leadership requires a hands-on, adaptable and solutions-focused approach. While responsible for strategy, governance, compliance and financial sustainability, you will also be prepared to step in and help solve practical issues when needed.

You will:

• provide executive leadership and accountability for organisational performance;
• implement the strategic framework and develop achievable operational plans;
• support informed Board decision-making through high-quality advice, reporting and governance systems;
• oversee budgets, government funding, financial controls and grant acquittals;
• strengthen organisational systems, workforce capability and operational effectiveness;
• build local leadership and support the development of a predominantly Aboriginal workforce;
• maintain strong relationships with community, government, funders and partner organisations; and
• ensure organisational risks, compliance obligations and safeguarding responsibilities are effectively managed.

About you

You will:

• be a hands-on, energetic leader who is visible and approachable in the community;
• understand that community leadership is about listening first, respecting cultural authority and supporting local decision-making;
• understand local priorities and the realities of living and working in Maningrida and the surrounding homelands, staying informed through regular engagement with community members and local organisations;
• be comfortable leading through rapid growth, staff support, change and competing priorities in a resource-constrained environment;
• bring at least three years’ senior management experience in the community sector and/or First Nations organisations
• have experience delivering organisational plans and managing government funding, with the ability to support effective governance and lead cross-cultural teams;
• demonstrate strong financial management, risk management and organisational leadership capability;
• have extensive experience in community services, cultural governance, social work, justice, education, training, community development or a related field.
• have experience working directly with a First Nations Board or decision-makers in the Northern Territory is preferred, particularly in the Top End; and
• be experienced living and working in remote Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land (which is desirable).

It is essential that you:

• hold, or obtain before commencement, a Police Check;
• obtain a current Northern Territory Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card);
• have an unrestricted NT Drivers Licence; and
• live and work in Maningrida and undertake work-related travel.

How to apply

Click Apply to submit your current resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in Nja-marléya and how your experience meets the role requirements.

Applications close at 5 pm on Friday 16 October 2026.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams. Following interviews, the preferred candidate may be required to visit Maningrida in late October 2026.

Contact

For the candidate pack please visit www.belrosegroup.com.au or for a confidential discussion, contact Brie, Recruitment Lead at The BelRose Group Brie@belrosegroup.com.au or 0477 213 323 or Bel, Managing Director at The BelRose Group Bel@belrosegroup.com.au or 0409 002 654