- Ongoing & Non-ongoing for an initial period of up to 12 months, Flexible working arrangements will be considered
- Tennant Creek, NT
- Location: Tennant Creek, NT
- Application Closing Date: 11-Oct-2026
Classification Executive Level 1 ($130,638 - $148,889)
Employment Type
Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for an initial period of up to 12 months)
This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the NIAA delegate.
Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for an initial period of up to 12 months, with possibility of extension up to a maximum period of two years.
A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.
Flexible Work
Flexible working arrangements will be considered The Opportunity The Assistant Director, Strategic Engagement & Collaboration is a key leadership role within the Central Australia Region North (Barkly) team, responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across engagement activities in the region. The role leads people, programs and stakeholder relationships to ensure services and initiatives are responsive to community priorities and government objectives.
This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in building strong partnerships and delivering meaningful outcomes for communities across the Barkly region. Key priorities are to:
- lead regional engagement activities and programs that deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities across the Barkly region
- build and maintain solid partnerships with Aboriginal communities, Traditional Owners, service providers,
government agencies and other key stakeholders
- provide leadership and support to staff, fostering a high-performing, inclusive and culturally safe team environment
- manage complex issues, risks and competing priorities, applying sound judgement and strategic thinking to achieve results
- drive continuous improvement through effective program oversight, performance monitoring and quality assurance
- contribute to regional strategic planning and lead initiatives that strengthen community outcomes, service delivery and organisational performance.
The position is based at our NIAA office in Tennant Creek and will involve travel across the Barkly Region NT, primarily by car including overnight stays.
Our Ideal Candidate
We're on the lookout for a standout leader to join our team, someone who brings compassion, purpose, and accountability to their work.
Our ideal candidate will influence strategic outcomes and uphold cultural integrity, with the following skills and experience:
- lead and deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in a complex environment
- build and maintain strong relationships across government, community and service provider sectors
- represent the Agency with confidence, influencing stakeholders and communicating effectively
- lead, develop and support high-performing teams within a culturally safe and inclusive workplace
- apply strategic thinking and sound judgement to manage priorities, risks and emerging issues
- drive continuous improvement and achieve results across programs, projects, policy or community engagement initiatives
- demonstrate resilience, integrity and professionalism while working with a high degree of independence
- build trust, strengthen partnerships and contribute to the NIAA's vision and strategic objectives.
Identified Position This position is Identified which signifies that the role has strong involvement in matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This position has direct engagement with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and service providers, or is involved in the development of programs and policy. You will require a high level of cultural competency, including:
- demonstrated understanding of the matters impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- demonstrated high level ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
- demonstrated high level capability and commitment to continue to develop cultural competency.
Eligibility To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen. The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check.
Security Clearance Required
Baseline Vetting (Protected)
Contact Officer
Harry Abrahams on 0459 816 918 or
[email protected]
Please Note – This is an unclassified web-based recruitment system so your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your one-page pitch and resume.
📌 Assistant Director, Strategic Engagement & Collaboration , Central Australia Region (Tennant Creek)
🏢 Australian Government
📍 Tennant Creek