_{23rd March, 2026}

Area Lead - Learning and Development
Pilbara, Western Australia | Full-time, permanent
 
A community-led not-for-profit organisation working across a vast desert region of the Pilbara, Western Australia, is seeking an Area Lead - Learning and Development to lead the design and delivery of transformational, culturally grounded learning programs. This role supports the strengthening of Indigenous identity, leadership, and community development, working in partnership with communities to create meaningful, long-term outcomes.
 
The Area Lead - Learning and Development brings together strategy, people leadership, program development, and on-Country delivery. You will guide program strategy, secure and manage funding, oversee delivery, and build Martu capability across generations. You will champion learning and development as a key pathway for Martu engagement across all organisational programs, with a particular focus on two interconnected initiatives — Wama Wangka and the Martu Leadership Program (including the Women's Leadership Program). Through this work, you will create opportunities for Martu to build knowledge, strengthen confidence, and foster unity, ensuring all programs reflect Martu priorities and contribute to a strong and sustainable future.
 
Working closely with the General Manager, Culture and Country, you will lead the strategic design and delivery of programs that align with Martu priorities. You will oversee planning, budgets, and reporting, ensuring programs deliver meaningful outcomes while meeting funding and contractual requirements. The role includes leading and developing a strong team, strengthening the capability of Martu staff, and fostering a positive, accountable culture. You will also build and maintain strong relationships with community, partners, and funders, represent programs externally, and capture outcomes and stories that demonstrate impact and support continuous improvement.
 
You will be joining an innovative and award-winning Martu organisation based in Newman, Western Australia, delivering a diverse range of land management, cultural, and community programs. The organisation is guided by Martu elders, who are some of the last Pujiman (desert-born people) in Australia with deep cultural and ecological knowledge. Martu are the Traditional Owners of a vast region spanning three deserts, home to one of the most intact arid ecosystems in the world. The area is home to iconic and threatened species such as the greater bilby, northern quoll, and great desert skink, and holds rich cultural significance where landscapes, water sources, flora, fauna, and sacred sites are deeply interconnected with identity, beliefs, and traditional livelihoods.
 
We are seeking someone who is respectful, curious about culture, determined to make a difference, willing to work hard, and committed to working in partnership with Martu. You will be comfortable navigating complex environments with humility, able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, and passionate about investing in people and supporting community-led outcomes.
 
This is a full-time, permanent position, commencing as soon as possible, with flexibility for the right candidate. There may also be opportunities for partner employment within the organisation or with other service providers in the community.
 
Key Responsibilities
 
Program Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the design, planning, and implementation of strategies for each program, in consultation with Martu and approved by the General Manager, Culture and Country.
• Ensure all activities align with Martu priorities, aspirations, and values.
• Promote collaboration across programs and with external partners.
• Capture stories, learnings, and evidence to demonstrate impact and guide continual improvement.

Funding & Resource Management

• Secure and manage funding to meet Martu aspirations.
• Oversee program budgets, ensuring expenditure aligns with contracts and delivers value.
• Fulfil all contractual and reporting obligations and negotiate future or additional funding opportunities.
• Work with the General Manager, Culture & Country, to identify and secure additional resources as needed.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, manage, and develop program staff within budget.
• Build the capability of Martu team members and identify succession opportunities for future leadership.
• Model cultural integrity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to safety and wellbeing.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Martu, funders, partners, and community organisations.
• Prepare and present internal reports to the General Manager, Culture and Country
• Ensure the timely capture and storage of documentation, photos, and other media for reporting and communications.
• Represent the organisation and the programs in external forums, presentations, and partnerships.
• Undertake other duties consistent with the role as required.

 
Benefits
The organisation will provide the following benefits:

• Salary $TBC Please contact to confirm.
• Fully furnished subsidised accommodation in Newman, WA
• Four return flights from Newman to any Australian capital city or New Zealand, per calendar year (not accruable) up to $750 each. Or alternatively four ground travel allowances up to $750 each (not accruable).
• Ability to salary sacrifice
• Relocation costs up to $3,000
• Internet provided and assistance with phone
• Work laptop provided
• Use of vehicle for work programs 

Footprint Placements will provide benefits to assist you in your transition to remote life including,

• Trauma Responsive Practice in Education with the Australian Childhood Foundation
• Cultural Competency training with the Stronger Smarter Institute (one term+ contracts)
• First aid certification (6 month+ contracts)

 
What You Need to Succeed!

• Demonstrated experience leading cross-cultural or community development programs.
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal governance, cultural protocols, or a proven willingness to learn deeply.
• Strategic planning, financial, and contract management capability.
• Proven people leadership experience with mentoring and capacity-building focus.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and problem-solving abilities.

Desirable:

• Four-wheel drive/ off-road experience
• Experience working with Martu or remote Aboriginal communities.
• Understanding of Martu language, culture, and governance frameworks.
• Postgraduate qualification in community development, education, or related field.

 
How To Apply?
Interested? We would love you to provide a CV with a LinkedIn profile (if you possess) and a cover letter and apply via our website, www.footprintplacements.com.au. Please ensure the cover letter is a maximum of 2-3 pages. Have a question? Email hello@footprintplacements.com.au.
 
Applications will be processed as they are received.
 
Candidates must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work.

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