About the Role
The First Nations Engagement Manager is a newly created, identified leadership
role that will shape and lead Ironbark’s approach to First Nations engagement,
partnerships, and workforce development.
Sitting at
the intersection of community, culture, and commercial outcomes, this role is
responsible for building strong, respectful relationships with First Nations
communities, peak bodies, and partners, while influencing organisational
strategy and decision-making.
Working
closely with the Corporate Services Manager and Senior Management Team, the
position leads the design and implementation of Ironbark’s First Nations
engagement and workforce strategies. The role ensures culturally safe,
sustainable, and meaningful employment pathways while strengthening Ironbark’s
partnerships and community impact.
This is a
unique opportunity to establish and embed a whole-of-organisation approach to
First Nations engagement and create lasting outcomes for communities.
In this role, you will:
- Lead the development and delivery of Ironbark’s First Nations engagement strategy, building strong and enduring relationships with communities, organisations, and peak bodies.
- Drive the co-design and implementation of the Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Strategy,
influencing workforce outcomes across the organisation.
- Establish and grow strategic and commercial partnerships that connect cultural priorities with employment and business opportunities.
- Design and oversee the First Nations Mentoring Program, strengthening workforce participation, capability, and retention.
- Provide strategic guidance to leaders, supporting capability and accountability to embed culturally safe practice.
- Lead the First Nations Reference Group, ensuring community voice informs organisational strategy and decision-making.
- Represent Ironbark at community, cultural, and industry forums, strengthening the organisation’s presence and influence.
Why this role matters
This role is central to strengthening Ironbark’s accountability to First Nations communities and supporting the organisation to embed cultural perspectives across all areas of Ironbark.
As a newly established position, it offers the opportunity to shape systems, influence
strategy, and create meaningful pathways that connect community priorities with
employment, partnerships, and long-term impact.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Demonstrated experience working with First Nations communities and peak bodies.
- Proven ability to build partnerships that achieve both cultural and commercial outcomes.
- Experience designing and delivering workforce, mentoring, or community programs.
- Strong strategic thinking and the ability to influence across all levels of an organisation.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
- A strong understanding of cultural safety and inclusive practice.
What we offer:
- Salary and Benefits: Generous remuneration package including 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading
- Family and Lifestyle Support: Access to wellbeing initiatives and generous leave entitlements
- Purpose-Driven Work: Be part of a values-led organisation creating real and lasting impact
- Career Development: Opportunities to grow, lead, and shape a newly established role
Are you ready to shape meaningful change?
About Ironbark
Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation (Ironbark) is a not-for-profit organisation
based in Darwin, Northern Territory. We deliver community, employment, and
economic services across urban, regional, and remote communities throughout the
Darwin/Daly Region.
Our Vision – Changing lives – one story at a time
Our Mission – Improving lives and transforming Aboriginal communities through
employment, advocacy and economic opportunities
Our Values – Commitment, Integrity, Collaboration, Courage and Respect
This is an
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander identified position.
This position is identified for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
person and is intended to constitute a special measure under section 8(1) of
the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and section 57 of the
Anti-Discrimination Act 1996 (NT).
At Ironbark,
we value lived experience, transferable skills, and strong alignment with our
mission. We encourage candidates who are ready to step into a leadership role
and create lasting impact to apply.
