_{19th November, 2025}

Lead an organisation that has been changing lives – one story at a time – for more than 25 years.

Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation is entering an important new chapter.

What began as a small community initiative has evolved into one of the Northern Territory’s most respected Aboriginal organisations, a place where people develop skills, find employment, start businesses, and strengthen their communities.

Today, Ironbark employs more than 130 staff and delivers life-changing opportunities across the Top End. We support people in remote communities, deliver major national employment programs, and run a diverse range of social and commercial enterprises that create jobs, pride and economic independence for Aboriginal people.

As our long-serving CEO prepares for a well-deserved transition, the Board is seeking a successor who can continue this momentum with integrity, cultural authority and purpose.

This is a rare and meaningful leadership opportunity, and it is preferred that the position be held by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.

About Ironbark:

At its core, Ironbark is driven by the belief that employment, opportunity and culture create stronger, healthier communities.
From our base in Darwin, the organisation delivers major national employment programs, including:

• Remote Australia Employment Services (RAES)
• Workforce Australia

Alongside this, Ironbark operates a diverse group of social and commercial enterprises that create long-term employment and local economic participation:

• Aboriginal Bush Traders
• RapidClean NT
• Darwin Precast Products
• Ironbark Accounts
• Ironbark Services NT
  
  

Across every program and enterprise, their purpose remains the same:
Changing lives – one story at a time.

The Role

This role calls for a leader who brings cultural grounding, commercial thinking and a deep commitment to community, someone steady enough to walk alongside people on Country, and strategic enough to guide a complex organisation forward.

As CEO, you will:

• Lead the strategic direction of Ironbark while staying connected to culture and community
• Strengthen partnerships with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal communities, government and industry
• Oversee the delivery of RAES, Workforce Australia and community programs supporting thousands of Aboriginal people
• Provide leadership across Ironbark’s social enterprises and commercial businesses
• Maintain strong governance, financial sustainability and organisational performance
• Build, support and grow a capable, values-driven workforce
  
  

You will be supported by an experienced Executive Team and an Aboriginal Board that understands both the responsibility and privilege of this role.
Based in Darwin, the position includes regular travel to regional and remote communities.

About You

You are ideally an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander leader who brings wisdom, steadiness and respect.

Your background might be in community services, government, employment programs, health, social enterprise, or corporate leadership — but what matters most is how you lead.

You will thrive here if you:

• Have led complex organisations or programs
• Understand how to work respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal communities
• Can engage confidently with government, industry and funding partners
• Bring strong financial, governance and operational capability
• Value cultural safety, transparency and accountability
• Believe in the power of employment and opportunity
• Want to contribute to something bigger than yourself
  
  

You will also embody Ironbark’s values: Commitment, Integrity, Collaboration, Courage and Respect.

Why This Role Matters

Ironbark plays a central role in shaping employment, economic participation and community development outcomes across the NT. As CEO, you will influence how opportunities are created, how culture is championed, and how future Aboriginal leaders are supported in their growth.

This is not simply a senior leadership role.

It is an opportunity to leave a legacy that strengthens communities for generations.  

The Board has planned a thoughtful transition. The new CEO is expected to commence in April 2026, allowing for a structured handover with the current CEO before their relocation.

Living in the Northern Territory

Life in the Top End offers something rare: space, culture, connection, and balance.
Darwin is known for its warm climate, vibrant Aboriginal culture, bustling markets, and easy access to national parks and remote communities. It’s a place where people know each other, where community sits at the heart of daily life, and where leaders can genuinely see the impact of their work.
For the right person, this is more than a role; it’s a place to live with purpose.
Salary & Benefits

• $220,000 – $240,000 + superannuation
• Salary packaging
• Fully maintained vehicle
• Laptop, phone and technology support
• 5 weeks of annual leave
• Relocation support for the right candidate
• Anticipated commencement: April 2026, including a planned handover with the current CEO
  
  

How to Apply

Please apply directly online by submitting:

• A current resume
• A cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and outlining your interest in the role
  
  

For a confidential conversation, please TEXT: Rebecca Perrone, Managing Director — Brooker Consulting on 0429 381 277.  A call time will be booked upon receiving your text.

The Position Description is available on the Brooker website.

To request the full Candidate Information Pack, please email: Vasana - vasana@lawsonhrgroup.com.au. She will forward the pack directly to you.

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