Chief Executive Officer - Warddeken Land Management

Job description
About Warddeken Land Management
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 in achieving the organisation's full potential.
About the Role
Warddeken Land Management is seeking a visionary and dedicated Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our organisation in its mission to preserve, conserve, and sustainably manage Aboriginal-owned lands in the Northern Territory of Australia. As the CEO of Warddeken Land Management, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of our organisation and the well-being of the communities we serve.
Position Summary
The CEO of Warddeken Land Management plays a pivotal role in delivering our strategic direction, operational excellence, and community and stakeholder relationships. You will be the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and the organisation, ensuring the realisation of our vision: to have healthy people living and working on our healthy country in the Arnhem Plateau, and for the management of our land to be in our hands now and into the future.
The ideal CEO is an approachable, empathetic, and collaborative leader committed to the principles of reconciliation and sustainable Land Management, with a profound respect for Aboriginal traditions and values. This role requires resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to achieving positive, innovative and durable social and environmental outcomes. This role will require regular travel into and around the Warddeken IPA.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement strategic priorities for Warddeken Land Management in alignment with the organisation's vision and aims.
• Provide guidance to the Board of Directors and engage them in strategic decision-making.
• Develop business plans, budgets, and strategies for approval by the board and provide reports to enable the board to monitor the organisation.

Operational Management:

• Oversee all aspects of the organisation's daily operations with support of the IPA Operations Manager, including financial management, program implementation, and resource allocation.
• Provide leadership and management of all staff, ensuring they perform well and deliver organisational programs and priorities.
• Ensure a safe and healthy work environment and identify and remove risks to employees and others in the workplace.
• Implement policy development and implementation, ensuring compliance with legislation, funding agreements, and best practices.

Manage and Report on Corporate and Organisational Risk:

• Propose levels of authority for the CEO, senior staff, coordinators, and others in the Delegations Policy and Delegations Register.

Stakeholder Relationship Management:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with communities, government agencies, donors, and partner organisations.
• Through long-term relationships and collaborations, continue to strengthen Aboriginal-led organisations in the region including neighbouring ranger groups, Nawarddeken Academy, the Karrkad-Kanjdji Trust and Arnhem Land Fire Abatement NT.

Community Engagement:

• Foster meaningful and productive relationships with our communities, demonstrating cultural sensitivity and respect.
• Collaborate with community leaders and stakeholders to co-create sustainable Land Management strategies.

Advocacy and Outreach:

• Advocate for the protection of Indigenous lands and the cultural heritage of Aboriginal communities.
• Raise awareness about the organisation's work through public speaking engagements and media interactions.

Financial Management:

• Oversee the organisation's financial resources, including budgeting, grant management, and fundraising efforts.
• Ensure sound financial management of the company and maintain accountability for income raised through various sources.

About You
As the Chief Executive Officer, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission and goals. We seek a dynamic and dedicated individual, committed to sustainable Land Management and community engagement. Travel to our very remote communities is a regular requirement for this position.
Qualifications & Education:

• A bachelor's or higher degree in a relevant field (e.g., environmental science, business administration, indigenous studies).
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal culture, with experience working in Aboriginal communities.
• Knowledge of both Indigenous Land Management practices and cultural protocols, and knowledge of current best practice environmental conservation.
• Proven experience in executive leadership, preferably in a non-profit or community-based organisation.

Competencies & Experience:

• Supportive leadership and team management skills.
• Community engagement expertise with a deep understanding of Aboriginal culture, values and life in remote Australia.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Track record of developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Sound financial management, including budgeting, grant management, and fundraising expertise.
• Strong public speaking and advocacy capabilities.
• Compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and funding requirements.

Key Skills / Attributes Necessary:

• Clear communication
• Collaboration
• Commitment to cultural safety
• Good time management & prioritisation skills
• Transparency & authenticity
• Development mindset
• Ethical
• Decisiveness
• Change management experience
• Strategic thinking and foresight
• Emotional intelligence
• Approachable
• Networking
• Analytical

How to Apply
If you possess the qualifications, experience, and passion to lead Warddeken Land Management into a sustainable and prosperous future, we encourage you to apply for this exciting, challenging, and impactful leadership position. Join us in making a positive difference in the preservation of our Aboriginal-owned lands and cultural heritage.
To express your interest, please use the “Apply Now” button to submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are interested in this role.
Applications will be accepted until the advertised closing date. For enquiries or additional information, please contact Tim O’Brien at Job Skills Network by emailing using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer - Warddeken Land Management enquiry via EthicalJobs or by calling 0473 570 023.
Warddeken Land Management is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals.
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