16th March, 2026
- Senior executive leadership role working directly with Council, community and government stakeholders.
- Unique opportunity to strengthen governance, protect culture and support community outcomes.
- Based in Darwin with regular travel to the Tiwi Islands and strong on country engagement.
About the Company
Elite Executive is proud to be partnering with the Tiwi Land Council to appoint their next Chief Executive Officer. The Tiwi Land Council is the statutory body established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act to represent the Tiwi people of Bathurst and Melville Islands.
The Council works with Traditional Owners to protect land, culture and natural resources while supporting economic development and opportunities for current and future generations of Tiwi people. This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected organisation that plays a critical role in protecting Tiwi land rights and supporting community aspirations.
About the Role
The Chief Executive Officer provides strategic, operational and organisational leadership of the Tiwi Land Council and leads a dedicated team of staff supporting the work of the Council.
Reporting to the Council and working closely with the Chair and Executive Committee, the CEO will ensure strong governance, financial sustainability and effective engagement with Traditional Owners, government and key stakeholders. The role requires a high level of cultural capability and the ability to operate effectively within a statutory framework.
Responsibilities - Strengthen governance, transparency and accountability across the organisation.
- Build trusted relationships with Council members, clan groups and the Tiwi community.
- Represent the Council across Commonwealth, Territory, local government and partner organisations.
- Support the protection and promotion of Tiwi culture and heritage.
- Drive sustainable economic development, education and employment outcomes.
- Oversee responsible environmental management and protection of Tiwi country.
- Lead corporate planning, strategy development and organisational performance.
- Build and lead a high performing and community focused team.
Skills and Experience Required This role will suit a highly experienced senior executive with strong leadership capability and experience working in complex governance environments.
You will demonstrate:
- Previous CEO or senior executive experience leading a complex organisation.
- Experience working with Aboriginal organisations or in remote community environments.
- Strong cultural respect and the ability to build trusted relationships with Traditional Owners and community.
- Working knowledge of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act.
- Experience operating within a statutory organisation with strong governance and accountability frameworks.
- Proven ability to work with boards or councils and lead multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong financial management and organisational leadership capability.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills across community, government and partner organisations.
- Strong understanding of work health and safety responsibilities and regulatory compliance.
A relevant tertiary qualification is highly desirable and governance training such as AICD will be well regarded. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates, particularly from the Northern Territory, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Benefits
This role offers a unique opportunity to:
- Lead an important statutory organisation representing the Tiwi people.
- Work closely with Traditional Owners to protect culture, land and community interests.
- Influence policy and development outcomes at Territory and Commonwealth levels.
- Receive a senior executive remuneration package.
- Work between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands with meaningful community engagement.
How to apply
Please apply via the link, ensuring you include a current resume and a cover letter outlining your experience as per the criteria above. 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.
Previous applicants for this position need not reapply, as your application has already been considered.
Closing date for applications will be
1700hrs Friday 17th April 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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