General Manager - Homelands Engagement
Job No:
314554
Location:
Maningrida, NT
Lead strategic and operational initiatives supporting Aboriginal communities across the stunning West Arnhem Land region.
- Earn a Competitive Salary PLUS Super and Generous Salary Packaging of up to $18,550!
- Relocation Assistance and Furnished Accommodation provided!
- Enjoy 6 weeks' Annual Leave, 17.5% Leave Loading and MORE!
- Employment Opportunities available for Partners too!
- Step into a senior leadership role with genuine scope to make your mark
Our Story. Our People. Our Purpose.
Bawinanga Homelands Aboriginal Corporation (BHAC) is a progressive Aboriginal corporation based in Maningrida, representing and supporting approximately 4,000 Aboriginal people across 30+ Homelands in West Arnhem Land.
BHAC's work is grounded in people's traditional lands, cultural practices and languages, guided by values of respect and trust, community wellbeing, cultural authority, collaboration, innovation and best practice.
Across Maningrida and the surrounding region, BHAC delivers community services, employment programs and enterprises that contribute to stronger livelihoods, health and wellbeing, caring for Country, and keeping culture strong. Teams work respectfully across programs to deliver an integrated, whole-of-organisation approach to supporting community needs and aspirations.
To learn more, visit www.bawinanga.com
A Leadership Opportunity Grounded in the Homelands
BHAC is seeking a full-time General Manager – Homelands Engagement, based in Maningrida, NT and reporting to the Chief Operating Officer.
This role provides senior leadership across Homelands engagement and a broad portfolio of services supporting communities throughout West Arnhem Land. Working alongside the General Manager – Community Services, you will connect community needs with planning, infrastructure and service delivery to achieve practical outcomes across the region.
You will oversee engagement, planning and service delivery across areas including property and essential services, workshop operations, civil works, housing, construction and maintenance. Leading a strong team across these areas, you will provide the direction and support needed to bring people, resources and programs together effectively.
It's a genuine opportunity to bring together community engagement, strategic planning, operational oversight and people leadership to deliver outcomes that matter.
More specifically, you will:
- Set the strategic direction for Homelands engagement and associated workshop, civil, housing, construction and maintenance services, translating BHAC's Strategic Plan into practical priorities and workplans
- Build trusted relationships with members, Traditional Owners, community leaders, the Board, government, funders and partner organisations
- Maintain a clear view of infrastructure, service and workforce needs across the Homelands to guide planning and ongoing improvement
- Provide senior oversight of grant-funded Housing, Homelands and construction programs, working with Finance to manage budgets, contracts, procurement, funding obligations and acquittals
- Guide direct reports, bringing alignment across technical delivery, workflow and operational priorities
- Develop a capable and engaged workforce through coaching, clear expectations and performance support, while strengthening employment and progression pathways for Aboriginal staff and emerging local leaders
- Champion safe, high-quality service delivery by ensuring WHS, quality and contractor requirements are effectively managed
To read the full position description, click here
The Experience You'll Bring
BHAC is seeking senior leaders with relevant experience and qualifications in construction, housing or civil services. This is a hands-on leadership role — you'll bring genuine technical grounding in these areas, combined with the seniority to lead a broader team and translate strategy into delivery.
You will bring substantial senior leadership experience, with demonstrated capability across strategic planning, operational delivery, team leadership and grant-funded program oversight. Relevant qualifications and demonstrated experience in construction, housing or civil services are required, alongside sound judgement and the ability to work effectively within a culturally informed, community-led environment.
The following experience and capabilities will be highly regarded:
- Relevant trade, technical or professional qualifications in construction, housing or civil works
- Experience connecting community needs with operational programs and services to achieve practical outcomes
- Sound understanding of WHS, quality and relevant regulatory requirements across housing, construction, infrastructure or community service delivery
- Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across community, government, funders, contractors and internal teams
- Experience leading, mentoring and developing diverse teams
- Experience working with budgets, funding agreements, grants, acquittals and government stakeholders
- Sound judgement and integrity, with a transparent and accountable approach to decision-making
- Confidence using business systems, reporting tools and operational information to support effective decision-making
Experience in community development, the not-for-profit sector, remote communities or Indigenous organisations will be highly regarded. Candidates who have developed strong cultural awareness and adaptability through other community contexts are also encouraged to apply.
A current Australian Driver's Licence (manual highly regarded), Police Check and Ochre Card (or the ability to obtain the required checks) are essential. 4WD experience will also be looked upon favourably, with regular day-trip travel to Homelands and occasional overnight stays forming part of the role.
What Great Leadership Looks Like Here
Success in this role will come from your ability to connect with people, build trust and turn conversations into action. You'll be visible, approachable and comfortable working across community, operational teams, government and other stakeholders to create shared understanding and momentum.
You'll bring:
- Relationship-led leadership – you're an engaging communicator who builds strong connections, listens to different perspectives and brings people together around a shared direction
- Cultural respect – you recognise the importance of cultural authority, local decision-making and Traditional Ownership, adapting your approach to work respectfully across Maningrida and the Homelands
- Initiative and drive – you're comfortable taking ownership, making decisions and creating momentum, even when the path forward isn't completely defined
- Practical thinking – you can see the bigger picture, translate technical and operational information into sound decisions, and find practical ways forward
- Positive, adaptable leadership – you bring energy and optimism to a dynamic environment, supporting your team and responding constructively as needs evolve
- Funding acumen – you understand how to develop well-supported funding opportunities and manage the resulting commitments, documentation and acquittals
Benefits That Support You and Your Journey
In return for your commitment and contribution, you'll receive a host of great benefits, including:
Salary and Financial Benefits
- Competitive Salary, reflective of the seniority and scope of the role
- Generous Salary Packaging of up to $18,550, available through BHAC's not-for-profit status, providing tax-free benefits on housing, meals and entertainment
- 17.5% Annual Leave Loading
Relocation, Accommodation and Family Support
- $3,000 Relocation Assistance
- Basic Furnished Accommodation provided in Maningrida, NT
- Employment Opportunities for partners across BHAC programs, including employment services, projects, corporate office, workshop administration and more
Leave and Travel Benefits
- 6 weeks' Annual Leave each year
- $3,000 Annual Travel Allowance after 12 months of service
Life and Impact in Maningrida!
There's something unique about a role where you can see the impact of your work firsthand.
Based in Maningrida Community in West Arnhem Land, you'll live and work in a culturally rich part of the Northern Territory, surrounded by Country and connected to more than 30 Homelands across the region.
Your days will take you beyond the office, with regular travel to the Homelands giving you the chance to spend time with communities, understand what matters locally and build the relationships that will guide your work. The outcomes are practical and visible — better housing, stronger infrastructure, more reliable essential services, and greater opportunities for local employment and development.
For someone who values connection, purpose and the opportunity to make a tangible contribution, this is a rewarding place to bring your leadership experience and become part of the community.
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're an experienced senior leader who brings sound judgement, cultural respect, practical thinking and the ability to turn community needs into action, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful contribution across Maningrida and the Homelands - APPLY NOW!