The Northern Land Council (NLC) is seeking a strategic, values-driven leader to take on a senior role shaping the way we manage governance, compliance and risk across our organisation. This is a rare opportunity to influence long-term, organisation-wide frameworks that ensure transparency, integrity, and accountability in everything we do.

About the Role

As the leader of this vital service area, you will bring strategic thinking, integrity and vision to guide a high-performing team and build a culture of continuous improvement. You will work closely with the Senior Management Team, Council members, and external partners to lead critical functions including corporate planning, complaints handling, internal audit, policy development, risk frameworks and reporting.

You will drive excellence in organisational performance, ensuring the NLC meets its legislative responsibilities and operates in a way that reflects the rights, aspirations and cultural values of the Traditional Owners we serve.

What You Will Bring:

You’ll be an experienced leader with an outstanding track record in governance, compliance and risk at a senior level. You understand the importance of good governance in building community trust, and you’re ready to embed a culture of best practice across the organisation.

You’ll bring strategic insight, operational know-how and the ability to implement effective systems that support robust decision-making and long-term accountability. Your experience working in complex, culturally diverse or government contexts will be highly valued.

In Addition to this we are looking for:

• Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, business administration, public policy, compliance, risk management, law or another relevant field.
• Minimum of two (2) years leadership experience.
• Minimum of five years’ relevant practical experience delivering governance, compliance and risk related activities.
• Excellent understanding of governance and decision-making systems, corporate governance, negotiations and agreement-making.
• A current NT drivers’ licence.

Why Join the NLC?

At the NLC, you’ll thrive in a supportive and inclusive workplace that values professional growth, cultural respect, and work-life balance.

What’s in it for you?

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the way the NLC delivers trusted, transparent and accountable governance across one of the most important Aboriginal representative bodies in the NT. You'll be part of a supportive leadership team where your voice will shape strategic direction and where your work will contribute directly to improved outcomes for Aboriginal people in the Top End.

Be part of something bigger - where your work truly matters!

We offer:

• Salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 and additional Meal Entertainment Card to $2,500
• Generous leave entitlements such as 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave per annum, and paid Christmas shut down.

Interested applicants should click "Apply now" and send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and experience will you bring to the role.

If you have any further queries please contact: David Astalosh – 0418 938 429.

This vacancy is an Aboriginal prioritised position. Eligible Aboriginal applicants will be given priority consideration as per the special measures provision of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT). All other applicants will only be assessed for selection if there is no suitable Aboriginal special measures applicant who accepts the vacancy.

Applications Close: On listed date.

About the NLC

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC. We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.

A position description is attached.