The Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) is an Indigenous‐led, member‐based organisation that plays a vital role in keeping the desert connected and strengthening desert ranger programs. IDA works with its members and partners to ensure that Indigenous rangers are enabled to collaboratively manage the Australian desert and empowered to realise their aspirations for community, culture, and Country.
We work with over 65 ranger groups from across the desert in our role to 'Keep the Desert Connected' and empower a united voice for the desert.
The Indigenous Land Management (ILM) sector includes Traditional Owners, Indigenous Rangers, and their land management organisations who undertake a wide range of cultural, environmental and natural resource management activities in Australia's desert regions, which includes 22 Indigenous Protected Areas. These activities may include:
* Cultural and ecological knowledge transfer initiatives
* Fire management
* Cultural site and heritage management
* Feral animal and weed control
* Threatened species monitoring and recovery projects
* Fee for service economic activities
About the role
We're seeking a dynamic and values‐driven Chief Operations Officer to lead the day‐to‐day operations of the organisation. This is an Executive role, responsible for overseeing internal operations, organisational performance and delivery of IDA's core activities in a financially responsible way.
Working closely with the CEO, Board and Executive Team, the COO ensures that IDA operates efficiently, sustainably and in alignment with its strategic plan and values. The role provides strong operational leadership, builds a high‐performing, safe organisational culture, and ensures that ranger and member priorities are embedded across all aspects of IDA's work.
The COO plays a key role in ensuring IDA is well‐governed, financially sustainable and operationally strong to support Indigenous desert rangers, members and partners.
Key Responsibilities
* Strategic and operational leadership
* Financial management, budgeting and reporting
* Lead a high performing, culturally safe workplace
* Drive organisational sustainability
* Develop and implement operational plans aligned with strategic goals
* Ensure compliance, governance and risk management standards are met
Qualifications
* Demonstrated senior leadership experience in operations, particularly within Indigenous‐led programmes or organisations
* Minimum of 5–7 years of senior leadership experience in operations
* Demonstrated financial management experience, overseeing budgets and reporting
* Experience managing major budgets exceeding AU$10 million
* Strong project management and delivery experience
* Proven experience building and managing high‐performing teams
* Experience working respectfully and in partnership with Indigenous people and communities
* High‐level written and oral communication skills, including demonstrated two‐way communication capability
* Strong decision‐making and problem‐solving skills
* Demonstrated conflict management capability
* Willingness and ability to travel to remote locations
* Relevant tertiary qualification in management or related discipline, or significant equivalent experience
* experience working in remote or desert‐based contexts (ideal)
* knowledge of Indigenous land management (ideal)
* understanding of remote Indigenous social, cultural and economic contexts (ideal)
What We Offer
An opportunity to join a successful national for‐purpose organisation that is having a significant positive impact across the deserts of Australia.
A unique and rewarding opportunity to work with Aboriginal communities looking after their Country.
Competitive remuneration package and excellent conditions and salary packaging opportunities.
A dynamic culture of dedicated, passionate and professional team members.
Additional paid leave during Christmas/New Year shutdown period.
Comprehensive wellbeing support through an active care approach for employees and their families.
This position will close Sunday 31 May 2026.
Our recruitment and selection process includes a variety of assessment methods that may encompass reference checks and verification of working rights in Australia. The IDA is committed to safeguarding vulnerable people. You will be required to undergo a screening process on appointment. The IDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds including Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people, physical ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and family background.
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