Unique Leadership Opportunity in a Remote Indigenous Community

• Lead a committed team in a spectacular, remote community setting
• Deliver meaningful work to progress the aspirations and interests of the community
• Enjoy an incredible nature-oriented lifestyle with amazing fishing and cultural experiences

The Organisation

MOPRA (Milingimbi Outstations Progress Resource Aboriginal Corporation) is a smalḻ dedicated Aboriginal Corporation committed to the well-being and development of the Milingimbi community and its surrounding outstations where the Yolŋu people are the traditional owners.  Located in the heart of Arnhem Land, MOPRA operates around the beautiful Crocodile Islands, known for their rich cultural heritage and stunning natural environment.

Our purpose is to deliver essential services and programs that enhance the quality of life for our community members while preserving their cultural heritage and natural resources. We focus on environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community development through various programs and services. Our dedicated team works closely with community leaders, government agencies, and funding bodies to achieve our goals.

MOPRA is the parent organisation for the Crocodile Islands Rangers (CIR) program and has a long history of servicing the surrounding outstations.  The Crocodile Islands Rangers have a diverse work plan that includes marine debris cleanups, weed and fire management, pest animal control and quarantine, cultural site management, sea country patrols and surveillance operations, biodiversity surveys, indigenous knowledge transfer and community engagement.

Our employees enjoy meaningful engagement and the opportunity to make a real difference in peoples lives in the Community we service.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead our team and oversee the diverse operations of MOPRA, which is the parent organisation for the Crocodile Islands Rangers program.

This is a very hands-on role and crucial in ensuring the effective delivery of our programs, maintaining our fleet of vessels, and managing key infrastructure projects.

The General Manager currently spends some time working remotely from Darwin but is mostly  on the ground in Milingimbi. It is anticipated there will be the need for significant time on Country in Milingimbi and surrounds, for at least the first year in the role. 

The successful candidate will:

• Foster strong relationships with the Board of Directors, community leaders, government agencies, and funding bodies.
• Lead and manage the Indigenous Ranger Program and IPA project.
• Oversee services to four surrounding outstation communities, including maintenance, equipment and asset installation.
• Maintain operational excellence of our fleet of vessels that gets used by the Rangers, the outstation services and and on a fee for service basis by other agencies and community members
• Oversee maintenance of the heavy vehicles essential to support all MOPRA programs
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Lead the refurbishment of outstation housing projects and manage contractors.
• Develop and implement strategic plans that align with community aspirations and funding priorities, while managing the organisational budget effectively.
• Ensure financial stability and identify new revenue streams aligned with the organisation’s and community values.

About You

As the ideal candidate you will have:

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated previous experience living and working in a remote Indigenous community
• Ability to work collaboratively with Indigenous communities where English is not the first language and cultural practices take precedence
• A strategic mindset with the ability to develop and implement plans that align with community aspirations.
• Financial acumen with practical experience in managing budgets and ensuring financial stability.
• Strong maritime knowledge, including vessel management, survey and AMSA compliance.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Significant experience in a similar leadership role.
• A successful track record with funding applications, grants and acquittals.
• Project management skills, particularly in construction or refurbishment projects.

Your Reward

We offer a salary package and benefits designed to support a good quality of life in a remote location:

• Salary of $130k per year, plus Superannuation
• PBI Salary Sacrificing available
• Up to 9 x weeks leave per annum + public holidays: This includes 6 x weeks annual leave and 3 x weeks wellbeing leave (wellbeing leave cannot be accrued)
• 4 x FOILS (Fares out of isolated locations) per year
• Vehicle for work use
• Use of boats for recreation
• Accommodation provided - Donga with air conditioning and no bills when staying on Country
• A nature-oriented lifestyle with amazing fishing and cultural immersion

Experience the unique lifestyle and breathtaking natural beauty of the Crocodile Islands.  Discover the vibrant culture and community in this key role at MOPRA and be a part of something truly special!