_{11th January, 2026}

• Senior executive leadership role working directly with Council, community and key government stakeholders.
• Unique opportunity to drive governance reform, cultural preservation and community impact.
• Based in Darwin with regular travel to the Tiwi Islands and deep on country engagement.

About the Company

Elite Executive is proud to be partnering with the Tiwi Land Council in the search for an outstanding Chief Executive Officer. This is a rare and highly influential leadership role offering the opportunity to work alongside the Chair and Council to advance the rights, culture and economic future of the Tiwi people. Based in Darwin, the role requires regular travel to the Tiwi Islands and deep engagement with community, stakeholders and government.

About the Role

The Chief Executive Officer will provide day to day strategic, operational and organisational leadership of the Tiwi Land Council, leading a dedicated and growing team.  You will foster a genuinely inclusive, respectful and collaborative workplace culture, bringing the team together through trust, shared purpose and open communication. The CEO will lead by example, creating a safe environment where diverse perspectives are valued and staff feel supported, respected and accountable.

Reporting to the Council and working closely with the Chair and Executive Management Committee, the CEO will be responsible for strengthening governance, ensuring financial sustainability, enhancing stakeholder confidence and delivering outcomes aligned to the Land Council’s legislative responsibilities and long-term vision.


Responsibilities

• Strong administration and governance including transparency, accountability and completion of outstanding ANAO recommendations.
• Trusted relationships with the Council, clan groups and the broader Tiwi community.
• Effective advocacy and representation across Commonwealth, Territory, local government and NGO stakeholders.
• Preservation of Tiwi culture and leadership of art and artefact repatriation initiatives.
• Driving sustainable economic development, education and employment outcomes.
• Environmental protection, biosecurity and responsible natural resource management.
• Refinement and delivery of corporate strategy and business planning.
• Building and leading a high performing, values driven and community focused team.

  
Skills and Experience Required
  
This role will suit a seasoned senior executive with demonstrated experience working in Indigenous affairs, remote or regional environments and complex stakeholder settings. You will bring strong governance capability, financial acumen and hands on leadership experience, ideally having operated at CEO, Deputy CEO or senior executive level within a land council, government, NGO or aligned organisation.
You will demonstrate:

• Deep understanding of Aboriginal land rights, governance frameworks and legislation including ALRA, NTA and PGPA Act.
• Proven experience working with boards or councils and leading small to mid-sized teams.
• Strong empathy for Aboriginal advancement and a commitment to purpose driven leadership.
• Strong knowledge and practical oversight of work health and safety, ensuring full compliance with government regulations and Comcare, while fostering a proactive safety and wellbeing culture.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills across community, government and partner organisations.
• The ability to balance cultural respect with commercial and operational discipline.

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent is highly desirable and higher qualifications including AICD will be well regarded. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates, particularly from the Northern Territory, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

This role offers a unique opportunity to:

• Lead a respected statutory organisation with national influence and deep community purpose.
• Work directly with Tiwi leaders to shape long term outcomes for culture, land and economic empowerment.
• Influence policy, advocacy and investment at local, Territory and Commonwealth levels.
• Enjoy a senior executive remuneration package with the opportunity to live and work across Darwin and the Tiwi Islands.
• Be part of a values led organisation with a strong cultural foundation and clear vision for the future.

How to apply

Please apply via the link, ensuring you include a current resume. Applications that do not clearly demonstrate how you meet the outlined criteria may not be considered.

For a confidential discussion or to request a comprehensive candidate information pack, please contact Elite Executive.  All enquiries and applications will be managed with the strictest confidence.

Closing date for applications will be 1700hrs Friday 6th February 2026
Elite Executive reserves the right to conclude this process earlier should the right candidate be identified.

Please note that all communication with Elite Executive is maintained strictly confidential. No information will be forwarded to any party without your permission as we respect your right to explore employment opportunities. 

At Elite Executive we are committed to creating inclusive workplaces that promote and value diversity and inclusion.  We encourage and welcome people from all backgrounds who meet role requirements to apply. 

ONLY APPLICANTS WITH THE RIGHT TO WORK IN AUSTRALIA WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE

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