Lead a community controlled Aboriginal group on Jawoyn Country.
Lead one of the Territory's most respected Aboriginal organisations.
$250,000 base plus superannuation, accommodation in Katherine and a fully maintained vehicle with personal use.
Jawoyn Association Aboriginal Corporation has been building an independent future for the Jawoyn people since 1985. It owns Nitmiluk Tours and Cicada Lodge in Nitmiluk National Park, the Beagle Hotel and the Jawoyn Leliyn Kiosk. It runs ranger and fire management programs across Jawoyn Country, and family, healing and member services in Katherine and the communities.
It is community controlled, answers to its members and is governed by a Board elected by members from Jawoyn communities. The Board is now looking for a permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the whole group.
About the role
This is not a standard corporate CEO role. You will lead a group of companies, enterprises and programs that together employ Jawoyn people, care for Country and support families. You will report to the Board through the Chairperson and work closely with the Council of Elders, who hold cultural authority and give guidance to the Board and the CEO.
You will be responsible for:
the performance, financial sustainability and integrity of the group
leading the Executive Leadership Team
overseeing the tourism and enterprise businesses through their general managers and boards
making sure the Association meets its governance and legal obligations
leading the Association through the final years of its Healthy Country Plan 2018-2028 and into the plan that follows.
Who we are looking for
You have led at senior executive level in a complex organisation, and you are comfortable being accountable to a board. You have strong commercial and financial judgement and a record of leaving organisations stronger than you found them.
Just as important, you have a proven record of working effectively under Aboriginal community control. You seek advice before making decisions, respect cultural authority and understand that it rests with Elders and Traditional Owners. You are equally credible with Elders and community as you are with government, funders and commercial partners, and you can build trust with all of them.
You will develop Jawoyn and Aboriginal people into leadership roles, keep people safe across a large and remote region, and communicate clearly with members and community.
Tertiary qualifications and experience under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 are valued. Lived experience, cultural knowledge and community leadership count too.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply, and the Board would welcome an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander CEO. This is not an identified position. The appointment will be made on merit, to the person best able to lead the Association.
What you will need
a Northern Territory Working with Children Clearance (Ochre Card), or the ability to obtain one
a satisfactory National Police Check
to not be disqualified from managing a corporation
a current driver licence and willingness to travel regularly across Jawoyn Country.
How to apply
For a confidential conversation or a copy of the position description, contact Nicole Thompson on 0427 508 802 or nicole@tracksis.com.au.
To apply, send your CV and a cover letter of no more than two pages telling us why this role, and what you would bring to it.
Shortlisting will take place in November, with interviews in late November and a start in early 2027. Applications close Monday 2 November 2026. All enquiries are handled in confidence.
This search is being managed by Tracks Integrated Services.
Tracks Integrated Services is an Indigenous majority-owned and managed, female-led recruitment company working across the Northern Territory and Queensland, with a presence in Darwin and Brisbane. Tracks is Supply Nation Certified, Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) Blak Business Certified, and a member of the Queensland Indigenous Business Network.