• Charles Darwin University, Garamilla/Darwin
• Identified First Nations Role
• Full-time | Flexible hours around school and university calendars
• Location: CDU Casuarina and surrounds, plus partner schools across Darwin/NT
• Reports to: COO, with support from Head of Programs
• Start: Immediate

Are you a First Nations leader, facilitator and relationship-builder who wants to walk alongside young people as they build confidence, strengthen identity and step into strong futures?

EPIC Pathways is looking for a Program Manager to lead our Charles Darwin University program in Garamilla/Darwin.

This is a deadly opportunity for someone who loves working with young people, knows how to bring people together, and can hold both the energy and the organisation needed to make powerful programs happen.

About EPIC Pathways

EPIC Pathways is a First Nations-led not-for-profit supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students through school and into self-determined post-school pathways.

We create spaces where young people feel seen, supported and proud of who they are.

Through University Experience Days, MentorHubs, Outreach workshops, Future Pathways, our University Student Ambassador program and Fire Carriers youth advocacy work, we connect students with mentors, Elders, universities, community, culture and opportunity.

All EPIC programs are grounded in story, truth-telling, two-way learning and cultural strength.

About the role

As Program Manager, you’ll help bring EPIC to life in the Northern Territory.

You’ll be based around Charles Darwin University and work closely with the CDU First Nations Pathways and Engagement Unit, partner schools, Elders, community organisations, students, Ambassadors, mentors and the wider EPIC team.

You’ll help bring school students onto campus for University Experience Days, support regular MentorHubs in schools, coordinate Outreach workshops, and walk alongside senior students as they explore post-school pathways into university, training, work and community leadership.

This role is all about connection. You’ll be the person helping link CDU, schools, community and EPIC so young people can access experiences that feel safe, fun, challenging and full of possibility.

WHAT YOU"LL HELP MAKE HAPPEN

In this role, you’ll:

• Lead the planning and delivery of three University Experience Days at CDU, bringing together students, mentors, Elders, guests and community partners.
• Build strong relationships with three to four partner schools and support regular MentorHubs.
• Coordinate Outreach workshops in schools and communities across Darwin and the NT.
• Support Year 10–12 students to explore future pathways, including applications, scholarships, VET, university and career options.
• Recruit, roster and support First Nations Ambassadors and volunteer mentors.
• Help create a strong, fun and reflective team culture through check-ins, yarning circles and shared learning.
• Work closely with CDU, schools, Elders and community partners to make sure delivery is well coordinated and culturally grounded.
• Keep programs safe, organised and on track, including child safety checks, risk assessments, budgets, attendance and reporting.
• Capture the stories, feedback and insights that help us understand what is changing for young people.

What success looks like

Success in this role includes strong delivery against plan, improved student engagement and attendance, positive Future Pathways transitions, Ambassadors and mentors recruited and retained to target, 100% Ochre Card compliance, accurate dashboards and reports, and budget management within agreed limits.

What you’ll bring

You’ll be someone who:

• Identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Brings strong cultural capability and experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Loves working with young people and believes in their strength, talent and leadership.
• Can build trust across schools, universities, families, community and young people.
• Is confident facilitating groups, running activities or willing to grow in that space.
• Is organised, practical and calm when there are lots of moving parts.
• Can manage calendars, logistics, budgets and relationships with care.
• Is comfortable using Google Workspace and willing to learn systems such as Monday.com and Notion.
• Holds, or can obtain, an NT Ochre Card.
• Has a current driver’s licence and can work some early or late events when needed.

It would also be great if you have experience in youth work, education, careers, VET, higher education access, First Aid, mental health first aid or trauma-informed practice, but these are not essential.

Why join EPIC?

At EPIC, you’ll be part of a First Nations-led team building something with heart, purpose and momentum.

You’ll help shape EPIC’s work in the Northern Territory and support young people to grow their confidence, pathways and voice.

This is a role for someone who can lead with warmth, cultural strength, organisation and care. Someone who can yarn with students, build trust with schools, coordinate the details, and bring people with them.

You won’t be doing this work alone. You’ll be supported by EPIC’s COO, Head of Programs and wider national team, while leading the local delivery of a program that is growing across the country.

Next Steps

To submit your application please click 'Apply Now' by the closing date.

A position description is attached.