Chief Operating Officer

Job location at

Darwin

Remuneration:

Salary $134,288.96 per annum. Equivalent salary range with packaging approx. $143,938 per annum. As a Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) NAAFLS can offer up to $15,899 per annum of the salary, Tax‑free as a fringe benefit (conditions apply).

Hours of work:

Monday to Thursday 8:15am – 4:30pm, Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm

Employment Type:

Full‑time ongoing position (subject to funding)

Superannuation:

12.0%

Leave Entitlement:

6 weeks per annum plus 17.5% leave loading

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer

Special Measures:

Information for Applicants:

Additional benefits include: Time off in Lieu of Overtime• Travel Allowance• Individual training budget of $1,000 annually (conditions apply)• Monthly Wellbeing Leave day (FTE only)• Paid parental leave applicable to Primary or Secondary Carer (6 weeks paid after 12 months service)• Study Leave• Defence Leave

Additional Information:

Mandatory employment requirements: Maintain a working with children clearance (WWCC)• Maintain a satisfactory Criminal History Check• Driver’s licence required for on‑site staff Conditions of Employment: Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010, National Employment Standards, Fair Work Act

ABOUT NAAFLS The North Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Service (NAAFLS) is an Aboriginal community‑controlled Family Violence Prevention Legal Service (FVPLS). We provide legal and non‑legal services and support to 40+ remote Aboriginal Communities across a 350,000km² coverage area in the Top End of the Northern Territory. Our extensive travel remit is also inclusive of all 25 remote circuit courts sittings, and our travelling teams can be required to stay overnight in community for up to 4 days each month.

To ensure direct service delivery to our people, we have offices located in Katherine (Jawoyn, Dagoman and Wardaman Country), Darwin (Larrakia Country) and Nhulunbuy (Yolŋu Country).

NAAFLS provides a culturally safe, trauma informed, wraparound service which sets us apart and allows us to find practical, community‑based solutions to the most complex legal problems. This way of working ensures our vulnerable clients are fully supported throughout their journey.

POSITION OVERVIEW NAAFLS is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the organisation’s corporate functions and drive operational excellence. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the COO is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and plays a critical role in achieving NAAFLS’s strategic goals.

The COO will lead and oversee Corporate Services and Specialist Teams, providing mentorship, guidance, and direction to ensure organisational objectives are met across all areas. This role is responsible for enhancing operational efficiency, supporting financial oversight, ensuring compliance and risk management, and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.

With offices in Darwin, Katherine, and Nhulunbuy, the role may involve occasional inter‑office travel. Strong stakeholder engagement, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex organisational operations are essential.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Leadership and Team Management

Lead and oversee Corporate Services and Specialist Teams, providing mentorship, direction, and support to achieve organisational objectives.

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all teams.

Positively represent the organisation internally and externally through a professional, success‑oriented approach.

Work closely with the CEO and Executive Team to ensure alignment of operations, strategy, and organisational goals.

2. Organisational Operations

Oversee Operations, Administration, and Finance, ensuring policies and procedures support compliance and an efficient, productive work environment.

Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement best practices to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Ensure operational requirements are met across all sites and teams.

Collaborate with the CEO to develop, manage, and monitor operational budgets.

Approve expenditure within delegated authority and ensure alignment with forecasts.

Provide guidance and support to the internal and external finance team on reporting, payroll, and financial processes.

Review and present financial reports and statements to the CEO and Executive Team to support strategic decision‑making.

Ensure timely submission of audited financial statements to relevant stakeholders, including the Law Society NT and Community Legal Centres Australia (CLCs).

4. Strategic Planning and Project Management

Collaborate with the Executive Team to develop and execute the organisation’s strategic plan.

Lead Corporate and Specialist Teams in implementing strategic initiatives and monitor progress to ensure timely completion.

Oversee key organisational projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget.

Develop project plans, allocate resources, manage risks and dependencies, and review project outcomes to support continuous improvement.

5. Risk Management and Compliance

Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory and funding requirements.

Oversee insurance, CLC accreditation, and renewal of practising certificates for the Legal Team.

Implement and monitor effective risk management strategies to mitigate operational and financial risks.

Support teams in maintaining compliance across all areas of responsibility.

6. Sites, Buildings, and Technology

Oversee leasing and site management across Darwin, Katherine, and Nhulunbuy, maintaining relationships with landlords, property managers, and key stakeholders.

Ensure all sites comply with lease obligations and relevant property standards.

Manage the relationship with the external IT provider (EmergeIT) and approve purchase of IT hardware, software, and subscriptions.

Support teams in leveraging technology to achieve operational and strategic objectives.

Minimum 5+ years’ experience working in a medium to large organisation, with a proven track record of success in managing operations, teams, and financial functions.

Demonstrated ability to professionally lead and manage business management process in accordance with organisational objectives and strategic directions.

Experience in mentoring teams and supporting their professional development through planning, feedback, and identifying learning opportunities.

Demonstrated strong analytical, communication, leadership and problem‑solving skills.

Manage and work across a diverse range of highly complex tasks simultaneously to establish priorities and meet deadlines.

Ability to communicate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner.

Proven ability to build positive relationships and consult, negotiate and communicate with all levels of management and staff, government agencies, stakeholders and the community, both verbally and in writing.

Possess a positive, professional, and team‑focused approach to leadership.

Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and client database systems, with the ability to accurately record and manage information.

Willingness to undertake professional training and development when required.

Willingness and ability to undertake travel when required.

Must obtain a Working with Children Clearance (WWCC) and a satisfactory Criminal History Check.

Possess a current ‘C’ Class NT Driver Licence.

Tertiary qualification in finance, business, management and leadership.

Experience working within a not-for-profit and/ or Aboriginal Corporation.

Applications will be assessed as they are received.

While NAAFLS is an equal opportunity employer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr