• 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

EPIC Pathways is seeking a Program Manager to lead the delivery of our CDU program in Garamilla/Darwin.

This is a deadly opportunity for a First Nations leader, facilitator and relationship-builder who wants to walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people as they move through school and into strong, self-determined futures.

About EPIC Pathways

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

We deliver University Experience Days on campus at Charles Darwin University, MentorHubs in schools, Outreach workshops in schools and communities, the Future Pathways Program, a University Student Ambassador program, and Fire Carriers youth advocacy work.

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

About the role

As Program Manager, you will own end-to-end delivery of EPIC at CDU, working closely with the CDU First Nations Pathways and Engagement Unit.

You will bring schools onto campus, run regular MentorHubs in schools, coordinate Outreach workshops, and support senior students into post-school pathways. You will also recruit, train and support paid First Nations Ambassadors and volunteer mentors.

This role is the connector between CDU, schools, community, students and EPIC.

Key responsibilities

Program delivery and events

You will lead the planning and delivery of three University Experience Days at CDU, including workshop preparation, engaging Elders, guests and community organisations, and managing logistics such as AV, catering, school communications and risk assessments.

You will engage three to four schools to deliver regular MentorHubs, including timetabling, rooming, activities and attendance tracking.

You will organise, coordinate and support the delivery of EPIC Outreach workshops in schools and communities, while nurturing EPIC’s existing NT school relationships and expanding the partner school network.

You will also help baseline and track Future Pathways cohorts, supporting Year 10–12 students with applications, scholarships, VET, university and career pathway choices, with support from the Future Pathways Lead.

People and culture

You will recruit, roster and manage First Nations Ambassadors and volunteer mentors, and run inductions and training across child safety, cultural awareness and facilitation.

You will help build a strong, fun and reflective team culture through regular check-ins, reflective practice and yarning circles.

Partnerships and stakeholders

You will work closely with the CDU First Nations Pathways and Engagement Unit to align Ambassador work, support and impact protocols, and coordinate venue access and campus touchpoints.

You will manage relationships with partner schools, Elders, community organisations and education partners, aligning calendars, consent processes and delivery expectations.

Safety, governance and operations

You will uphold EPIC’s Child Safe Policy, including verifying Ochre Cards, completing briefings, managing incidents and maintaining strong safeguarding practice.

You will manage site budgets, suppliers and travel, keep risks current in the register, and deliver work on time and within budget.

You will use Notion for live dashboards and reporting, and Monday.com for milestones, tasks and owners.

Measurement and reporting

You will record attendance and engagement across students, mentors and Ambassadors, and support brief pre/post checks focused on identity, belonging and aspiration.

You will gather qualitative insights through teacher feedback, yarning circles and mentor/Ambassador reflections.

You will provide monthly one-page updates and term summaries, contribute to annual evaluation and end-of-year case studies or film, and support EPIC newsletters.

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

Essential

You identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

You bring strong cultural capability and experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.

You have proven experience delivering programs or events with young people, ideally across schools, universities or community settings.

You are a confident facilitator and relationship-builder across schools, university teams and community.

You are highly organised and confident managing calendars, logistics, budgets and competing priorities.

You are comfortable using Google Workspace and Monday.com, or able to learn quickly.

You hold, or are able to obtain, an NT Ochre Card. You also hold a current driver’s licence and can work some early or late events when required.

Desirable

Experience in youth work, educational pathways, careers, VET or higher education access programs.

Experience using Notion.

First aid, mental health first aid or trauma-informed practice training.

Why join EPIC?

At EPIC, you will be part of a First Nations-led team building spaces where young people feel seen, supported and proud of who they are.

This is a role for someone who can lead with warmth, cultural strength, organisation and care. You will help shape EPIC’s work in the Northern Territory and support the next generation of First Nations leaders to grow their confidence, pathways and voice.

Next Steps

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

A position description is attached.