• Key Leadership role offering challenge, cultural connection and opportunity
• Purpose-driven organisation that blends traditional ecological knowledge with Western science
• Make a tangible impact on Country, culture and community in one of Australia’s most unique landscapes

The Organisation 

Warddeken Land Management, founded by the Traditional Owners of the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area in 2007, is an Aboriginal-owned, not-for-profit company committed to integrating traditional ecological knowledge with Western science. Operating from remote homeland communities in west Arnhem Land, we provide employment for over 200 Indigenous people who engage in vital projects, including fire management, carbon abatement, weed and feral animal control, rock art and ecological conservation, and cultural heritage management. 

Our organisation is guided by an ambitious and skilled Board of Directors who are deeply motivated to support the CEO, Deputy CEO and leadership team, in achieving the organisation's full potential. 

The Opportunity 

As Deputy CEO, you’ll work collaboratively with the CEO to provide strategic direction, operational oversight and senior leadership across the organisation. This executive role is pivotal in ensuring Warddeken’s vision and values are embedded in everything we do.  

This role is both deeply rewarding and highly demanding. Working across remote homelands, you’ll navigate complex cultural, logistical and operational challenges on a regular basis. Success requires resilience, sound judgment, strong communication skills and the ability to lead people through difficult situations with confidence and cultural sensitivity. 

Key aspects of the role include:

• Building strong relationships with Traditional Owners, partners and stakeholders
• Driving workforce development and supporting Aboriginal leadership pathways
• Overseeing grant management, compliance and financial performance
• Acting as CEO when required and supporting organisational governance
• Leading Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) frameworks to drive evidence-based decision-making

This is an exciting, rare opportunity to contribute to an organisation that is culturally grounded, future-focused and committed to caring for Country

The role is based in Darwin with regular remote travel in the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area and surrounding areas in western Arnhem Land  

About You 

You’ll bring:

• Proven leadership experience in Aboriginal organisations, Indigenous Protected Areas or community-based programs
• Strong operational land management experience, preferably in remote or cross-cultural environments
• Strong operational and strategic management skills, including staff management, budgeting and compliance
• Excellent organisational, project management and prioritisation skills
• Ability to build trust and work collaboratively with Aboriginal communities and diverse stakeholders
• Cultural sensitivity and commitment to working in a culturally safe way
• Risk management and compliance expertise
• Flexibility, resilience, and adaptability in remote and challenging environment 
• Relevant tertiary qualifications (e.g., environmental management, business administration, Indigenous studies) or equivalent experience 
• Ability to obtain an Ochre card / working with children check