NOTE: This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

The Senior Executive Officer (SEO) will report to the Board, and the role is accountable for coordination across the Executive and their respective work areas. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to gain exposure to a range of enabling services. The SEO will provide insight into the importance of good governance and the considerations for running an organisation.

The role requires a mixture of strategic and transactional responsibilities, with the requirement to exercise sound judgement and discretion at all times.

The SEO operates with a high level of autonomy and confidentiality when providing strategic and operational support on a wide range of issues affecting the organisation. SEOs are required to maintain a strategic focus to identify and often manage risks and issues, and ensure alignment with PTR objectives and principles. The successful applicant will have extensive grass roots experience and be led by decolonization principles.

PTR’s principles have, amongst other objectives and initiatives, identified four key guiding statements:

1. Aboriginal people should have control of any Rent received.
2. Paying the Rent is about non-Indigenous people honouring the Sovereignty of Aboriginal people; it is a somewhat more just way of living on this stolen land.
3. This model for Paying the Rent transfers money/wealth on a grassroots to grassroots basis; it doesn’t involve governments or big business.
4. It is not enough for non-Indigenous people to only Pay The Rent. Treaty, advocacy, and solidarity with actions to promote, defend and support land justice are also necessary.

The SEO must model the behaviour expected of all PTR staff including:

• Able to embody cultural competency and deep and genuine respect for community.
• Understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and family structures particularly in Victoria.
• High levels of integrity and act ethically.
• Clear and honest communication.
• Creative thinking and innovative.
• Commitment to actively listen and respectfully challenge where appropriate.
• Ability to have a big picture view and think strategically; deliver with purpose.
• Enthusiasm, dedication and commitment.
• Able to build trusted relationships based on mutual respect.
• Confidence to speak one’s mind.
• Collaborative and cooperative, seeking ways to connect and work with others.

Skills, knowledge and experience required:

You will be a respected First Nations leader with experience in management and office co-ordination, overseeing staff, and preferably within an Aboriginal community-controlled organisation. The SEO will require the following skills and experience and demonstrated knowledge and understanding of issues impacting nations across so-called Australia and be able to contribute to shaping initiatives to redirect monies to create the greatest impact:

• Knowledge of corporate governance including experience working with, or on a Board of Directors.
• Advocacy experience.
• Grassroots advocacy track record.
• Prior experiences as a senior administrator overseeing staff, and delivering a diverse range of services during a time of change.
• Excellent communication and strong stakeholder management enabling collaboration across the agency.
• Experience in operating an effective management system, policy and procedure framework and financial system for an organisation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A high level of attention to detail.
• Interpersonal skills to establish effective working relationships at all levels.
• High level of computer literacy and sound working knowledge of Microsoft Office software and Google Drive, and own computer to work from home.

Qualifications desired:

• Tertiary qualifications in Business or related experience.
• Working With Vulnerable People card.
• Australian Driver Licence.

About Pay The Rent

Pay The Rent is organised by First Nations and non-First Nations people working together, as the Pay The Rent Grassroots Collective. The organisation enables funds to be contributed by individuals and businesses directly to grassroots causes and campaigns with a focus on protecting Sovereign rights, including practical support such as funding Sorry Business and delivering Community initiatives.

Pay The Rent supports community initiatives that promote self-determination and Sovereignty of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Funds are distributed to established Community groups that don’t receive government funding. Funding is not intended to provide personal financial relief, native title litigation, or purchase of land.

This Collective is based on the lands of the Kulin Nation in Victoria, Australia.

For more information visit www.paytherent.net.au

Questions

Please contact Kerry Kennell via email [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Executive Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.