Homeland School Company (HSC) invites applications for an experienced, culturally responsive and community-minded On-Country Learning (OCL) Manager to support the development and delivery of OCL at two locations in Arnhem Land: Gamardi Homeland on the Djelk Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) and Galiwinku Island.
OCL is a new initiative expanding education opportunities for Bininj an Yolŋu communities on their respective Homelands. There are two OCL pilot sites in Arnhem Land: one based at Gamardi Homeland School, and the other based at Shepherdson College at Galiwinku Island. There is an OCL Coordinator based at each location. The role will also liaise with the Australian National University team who are leading development and evaluation of the pilots. The position is based in HSC Office (Darwin), office location TBD.
Position can be remote based, but housing is not provided by HSC.
The OCL Manager will oversee the OCL program at both these sites, managing the OCL Coordinators, working in partnership with Traditional Owners, Bininj and Yolŋu cultural teachers, Indigenous ranger groups, families, and the principals at Gamardi and Shepherdson College to support high-quality On-Country Learning programs.
This position blends project management expertise with relational development work, managing On-Country Learning, mentoring OCL Coordinators, and providing strategic support to the HSC CEO. This position reports to HSC CEO but will have shared reporting to Shepherdson College and ANU.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
* Supporting and mentoring OCL Coordinators at Gamardi and Galiwinku Island to deliver high-quality OCL programs
* Supporting Bininj and Yolŋu Cultural Teachers to deliver On-Country Learning and cultural education.
* Liaising with the Principals at Gamardi Homelands School and Shepherdson College to ensure OCL work aligns with school objectives
* Working closely with Indigenous ranger groups and/or community organisations to promote traditional knowledge transfer through the management of Country.
* Managing equipment, logistics and budget for bush trips, workshops, and bush classrooms
* High level ability to manage documentation, planning, reporting, and strategic coordination
* Contribute to policy development and design
* Providing support, mentoring and reflections related to place-based learning
* Maintaining strong, respectful relationships with Homelands communities, Elders, families and local organisations
* Ensure close alignment with research and development work with ANU team
This role is ideal for someone who values bi-cultural education, relational leadership, and collaborative program delivery work.
ESSENTIAL SELECTION CRITERIA
* Demonstrated experience working respectfully and effectively with First Nations communities, including a strong willingness to respect and engage with Indigenous cultural authority.
* Demonstrated experience working in remote locations and Indigenous contexts
* Strong leadership, communication and mentorship skills, with a minimum of two (2) years leadership in program management, delivery and staff supervision
* Minimum of two (2) years relevant practical experience working in program design and delivery, including budgeting and reporting
* Demonstrated ability to assist people working in challenging, cross-cultural contexts, either one-to-one or as a group
* Must be willing to travel frequently and for extended periods of time between two Arnhem Land pilot sites
* Current C Class Drivers License and the ability to travel remotely via 4wd and light aircraft
* Current National Police Check or Northern Territory Working with Children Clearance Notice (Ochre Card) or ability to obtain
DESIRABLE SELECTION CRITERIA
* Knowledge of Bininj and Yolŋu cultures and languages
* Qualifications in Education, Environment, Community Engagement, Community Development, Social Work or related areas and/or equivalent experience
* Experience in program delivery with Bininj and/or Yolŋu communities in learning, mentoring or training context
* First Aid Certificate (HLTAID001)
* First Aid in Remote Situations (HLTAID013)
A position description is attached.
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