General Manager

General Manager

Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce

Fulltime | Flexible | $185,000 - $215,000 plus super

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply for this opportunity. If accommodations are required during the interview process, please do not hesitate to let us know

Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce

In alignment with actions in the Reef 2050 Traditional Owner Implementation Plan (ReefTO Plan), an independent Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce is being established to take carriage of and drive the actions in the plan to amplify Reef Traditional Owner voices and improve Reef Traditional Owner participation in Reef governance and management. In carrying out its functions, the Taskforce will be guided by and act in the best interests of Traditional Owners across the Reef and ensuring Traditional Owners are overseeing the project.

The Taskforce is not a representative body, but a Traditional Owner-led group with the knowledge and skills required to engage with Reef Traditional Owners on the establishment of an independent Sea Country Alliance to provide Reef Traditional Owners with a strong representative voice.

The Taskforce will be hosted by the Pollination Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of a global advisory and investment firm, whose focus is to put humanity at the heart of nature and climate solutions. It is anticipated that Pollination Foundation will act as host until 30 June 2026 or until such time as a Sea Country Alliance is established.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a General Manager to develop and lead a culturally inclusive, dynamic and innovative team, paving the way for transformational change for future generations. As General Manager, your primary role is to lead the operational management of the Taskforce under the strategic direction and guidance of the Taskforce Co-Chairs and members. You will also be responsible for establishing and overseeing the operation of a Coordination Unit and ensuring policy and delivery systems are in place to enable the Taskforce to deliver its three priority functions effectively:

1. Engaging with Traditional Owners on options for a Sea Country Alliance (Reef-wide and regionally) and implementing the preferred option.
2. Overseeing the delivery of strategic policy and capacity building actions in the Implementation Plan while a Sea Country Alliance is being established.
3. Monitoring and reporting on the delivery of Traditional Owners actions in this Plan as part of the broader Reef 2050 integrated monitoring and reporting.

For a complete description of the role, please contact Tiana Callaughan at ****@pipelinetalent.com.au.

About you

The ideal candidate will exemplify resilient and collaborative leadership qualities and have a proven track record of leading teams and fostering a respectful, culturally appropriate and inclusive environment. You will have experience in managing a not-for-profit organisation and/or leading a startup enterprise as well as contributing to an organisation's strategic and operational objectives and a track record of effectively delivering on responsibilities. You will have exemplary stakeholder and partner engagement and communications capabilities with demonstrated experience navigating community and government. It is highly desired that you have knowledge and understanding of Indigenous affairs policy, legislation, and frameworks, including best practices in relation to paving the way and advocating for transformational change for future generations.

Key Requirements:

1. Demonstrated in-depth understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples cultures, Reef Traditional Owners' aspirations and issues relevant to their advancement.
2. Excellent understanding and working knowledge of the policy and program context and complex landscape for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the Great Barrier Reef.
3. Demonstrated capacity for strategic decision-making and on-ground implementation of strategy.
4. Proven experience in driving system-level changes needed to build genuine partnerships.
5. Ability to work with a strong focus on best practice engagement principles and protocols, including establishing Free, Prior and Informed Consent, and safeguards to protect Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and Indigenous Data Sovereignty.
6. Strong and inclusive leadership style.
7. Demonstrated experience in program management and governance, including financial and legal processes, and the capacity to lead a team of people.
8. Demonstrated ability to deliver on community aspirations through projects, programs or initiatives and experience engaging with the Reef's Traditional Owners and furthering their aspirations.
9. Experience handling the media and representing an organisation on external advisory groups, bodies or boards.
10. Proven history of developing and maintaining effective relationships with key partners, in addition to developing partnerships across Indigenous-led, other government and non-government organisations.

If this sounds like you, join the Taskforce as they create a resilient future for the Reef.

What we can offer you

Pollination Foundation is committed to reciprocal partnerships with Indigenous communities and offers you:

• A role with the opportunity to make a positive generational impact.
• A competitive salary.
• Flexible work options.
• Exceptional personal and professional development opportunities.