Deputy Chief Executive Officer

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 Australias 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 Warddekens 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

Your Reward

A unique opportunity to spend time working on Country alongside Traditional Owners

Competitive salary package

Salary Sacrifice Options

Professional Development opportunities

Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Be part of a team making a real difference for Country and culture

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