Job Title: Program Director, Strategic Aboriginal Policy
About Fisheries NT
Fisheries NT delivers evidence-based management of fish stocks, the effective management of ecological risks and economic development of fishing, aquaculture and seafood businesses. As stewards of a public resource, the team aims to protect the NT's aquatic resources whilst maximising social and economic benefits to the local community.
This is achieved through management actions that consider and provide opportunities and benefits for the traditional, commercial, recreational and fishing tourism sectors.
The Role
As Program Director, Strategic Aboriginal Policy, you will provide high-level leadership to enhance fisheries management in the Northern Territory through engagement with Aboriginal communities, collaboration with ranger groups in aquatic resource management and the integration of Aboriginal rights and interests into fishery management systems.
Key Duties
* Progress and manage agreements with Land Councils, Traditional Owners, Government and key stakeholder groups that provide secure access to intertidal waters.
* Lead a team that utilises engagement and training to build Aboriginal community awareness and participation across fisheries functional areas, including management, research, compliance, aquaculture and biosecurity.
* Work with stakeholders to explore opportunities for integrated management that involve Aboriginal people in the contemporary management of NT aquatic resources.
* Provide strategic advice to stakeholders regarding current and emerging Aboriginal land access, economic development and aquatic resource management policy issues and opportunities.
* Contribute to strategic policy development and the management of NT aquatic resources.
About You
* We welcome applicants at both SAO1 and SAO2 levels. To be successful in this role you will have:
* A proven track record in applying integrated management principles in fisheries or natural resource management, delivering positive outcomes across complex stakeholder groups.
* Expertise in leading negotiations with Traditional Owners, Land Councils, and natural resource stakeholders, securing agreements that balance cultural, environmental, and economic priorities.
* Experience managing large-scale engagement and capacity-building programs, including strategic planning, staff supervision, financial management, and business planning.
* Demonstrated ability to drive change management initiatives, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver results under pressure.
* Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders across government agencies and community groups, ensuring clear and effective coordination.