Preserve Language. Empower Communities. Shape Cultural Futures.
Are you a passionate linguist committed to supporting First Nations language revitalisation and community-led learning?
Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership (CYIPL) is seeking an experienced and culturally capable Linguist - Project Coordinator, Language Educator & Workshop Facilitator to lead transformative language programs across Cape York Peninsula.
This is a unique opportunity to work alongside language custodians, Elders and communities to strengthen language transmission, develop culturally grounded learning tools and support the next generation of language educators.
What's on Offer:
- A meaningful role supporting First Nations language revitalisation and cultural strength
- Salary packaging up to $15,900 tax free
- Additional $2,650 pre-tax for meals, accommodation and entertainment
- Employee Assistance Program - free and confidential support
- Work within a purpose-driven organisation guided by the Pama Futures Agenda
- Opportunity to manage innovative, community-driven language projects across Cape York
About the Role
Based in Cairns (with travel), you will lead the delivery of a major language program that supports documentation, teaching and transmission across multiple First Nations language communities.
In this dynamic and hands-on role, you will:
- Lead project management, reporting and governance for complex language initiatives
- Facilitate co-design workshops with language communities, Elders and experts
- Coordinate language documentation including recording, transcription and corpus development
- Oversee the design of curriculum, learning resources and digital language tools
- Recruit, train and mentor language community-member learner-teachers to deliver language education in a range of settings
- Build strong partnerships with language owners, community organisations and stakeholders across the region
- Monitor program outcomes and contribute to evaluation, reporting and continuous improvement
You will operate with a high degree of autonomy while managing multiple workstreams and collaborating with a broad network of stakeholders.
About You
You are an experienced linguist who is passionate about working alongside language communities to revitalise and strengthen First Nations languages.
You will bring:
- A degree (Honours or higher) in Linguistics or Applied Linguistics, with a focus on Australian First Nations languages
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder language projects
- Strong experience designing and facilitating workshops and training in diverse settings
- Expertise in language documentation, curriculum development and linguistic analysis tools
- Experience mentoring and language community building
- Thorough understanding of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) and community-led approaches
- Strong communication, relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and travel across remote communities
Requirements:
- Current Blue Card and ability to complete a Police Check.
Why Join Us?
At Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership you'll be part of a values-driven organisation working in partnership with communities to deliver long-term social, cultural and economic reform.
This is a unique opportunity to:
- Support the revitalisation and transmission of First Nations languages
- Work alongside Elders, language custodians and language learners
- Contribute to meaningful, language community-led outcomes across Cape York
- Be part of the Pama Language Centre, supporting multiple language programs across the region
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a short cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role via the "Apply Now" button.
For more information, please contact Xavier Barker, Centre Coordinator, Pama Language Centre on 07 4045 0600
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.