First Nations Engagement Manager

About Ironbark

Ironbark Aboriginal Corporation (Ironbark) is a not-for-profit organisation based in Darwin, Northern Territory. We successfully deliver community, employment, and economic services to urban, regional, and remote communities throughout the Darwin/Daly Region.

Our Vision - Changing lives - one story at a time

Our Mission Statement - Improving lives and transforming Aboriginal communities through employment, advocacy and economic opportunities.

Our Values - Commitment, Integrity, Collaboration, Courage and Respect

About the Role

The First Nations Engagement Manager is an identified leadership role that supports the organisation to strengthen respectful and genuine partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations. The position works collaboratively with senior leaders and staff to ensure cultural perspectives are considered in workforce initiatives, partnerships and service delivery.

The role provides guidance and advice across the organisation, supporting leaders and teams to embed culturally safe practices and meaningful employment pathways. The position also coordinates the First Nations Reference Group and contributes to the implementation of the organisation’s Indigenous Recruitment and Retention Strategy in partnership with the Corporate Services team.

What you will do

In this role, you will build and maintain respectful, long-term relationships with First Nations communities, organisations, and peak bodies,  supporting leaders and teams to embed cultural perspectives in decision making across programs and initiatives. You will coordinate and facilitate the First Nations Reference Group, represent the organisation at community, cultural, and industry events, and provide guidance and advice on cultural protocols and inclusive workplace practices.

You will also contribute to the development and delivery of programs that strengthen workforce participation, including co-designing and overseeing the First Nations Mentoring Program and supporting new employees through culturally safe onboarding initiatives. In addition, you will support Indigenous recruitment and retention strategies, help develop community and commercial partnerships that create meaningful pathways into work, and contribute to monitoring and continuous improvement across all engagement initiatives in collaboration with leaders and teams.

We are looking for someone who has:

·         Demonstrated experience working with First Nations communities and peak bodies.

·         Proven ability to build partnerships that achieve cultural and commercial outcomes.

·         Experience co-designing and overseeing mentoring or workforce programs.

·         Commercial acumen, including tenders and partnership management.

·         Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-management skills.

·         Understanding of cultural safety and inclusive practice.

·         Commitment to Ironbark’s values and First Nations capability development.

Highly Desirable

·         Tertiary qualifications in Business, Community Development, or Indigenous Leadership.

·         Experience in commercial partnership or contract management.

·         Knowledge of NT First Nations networks (e.g. NTIBN, Clontarf Foundation).

In return for your skills and valued contribution you will be rewarded with:

·         Salary and Benefits: Generous remuneration package including 5 weeks annual leave with 17.5% leave loading

·         Family and Lifestyle Support: Access to wellbeing initiatives, generous leave entitlements, and programs that support personal and family wellbeing.

·         Purpose-Driven Culture: Be part of a values-led organisation making a real and lasting impact.

·         Career development opportunities: Support to challenge yourself, grow and develop new skills and knowledge.

Are you ready for the next best adventure in your career?

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 to change lives, one story at a time. We encourage candidates who are ready for a new opportunity and committed to quality, compliance, and community impact to apply.

Applications close on Friday 10th April 2026 @ 11:59pm

If you have any questions or if you wish to obtain a copy of the position description, please contact us via email - recruitment@ironbark.org.au

**Please note, emailed applications are not accepted**