POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Program Lead – Business Development
LOCATION: Warrnambool, Victoria
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: 1.0 FTE, 24 months, Full-time
SALARY: $101,650 to $111,800 per annum + super
REPORTS TO: General Manager, Mana Developments
IDENTIFICATION: Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged, but this is not a designated/identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment.
THE ORGANISATION
The Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA) requires that, following a native title determination, native title holders establish a Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) to manage and protect their rights and interests. These corporations must incorporate under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) and register with the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT). Once registered, they become a Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC).
Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) was established in 2011 as a PBC following a positive consent determination by the Federal Court, covering an area known as PART B—from Deen Maar (Lady Julia Percy Island) to Dunkeld—shared with the Western Gunditjmara People, represented by Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
In 2023, a second determination expanded EMAC’s jurisdiction from Yambuk to Aireys Inlet, reaching Middle Creek and Ararat, and looping south to Dunkeld.
EMAC is a formally recognised Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP), with responsibilities for protecting and managing cultural heritage across a broader area extending to Winchelsea and Landsborough.
As the representative body for Eastern Maar citizens, EMAC leads the advancement of native title rights and interests, cultural heritage protection, high-quality policy advice, and initiatives aligned with the inherent rights, aspirations, and independence of its people.
Who we are looking for
Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) is seeking a Program Lead – Business Development to drive high-impact initiatives that strengthen economic development opportunities for Eastern Maar citizens and the community.
This pivotal role leads the design, development, and launch of culturally driven products, services, and business lines aligned with the Mana Developments Strategic Plan and the aspirations of Meerreengeeye Ngakeepoorryeeyt – the Eastern Maar Country Plan.
What you'll be doing
On a day-to-day basis:, you will:
- Manage a diverse program of initiatives and projects that bring the Mana Developments Strategic Plan to life, with a focus on economic development.
- Work with Eastern Maar community members, internal EMAC teams, and external partners to identify and define new business opportunities.
- Lead feasibility studies, business cases, and operational planning for prioritised products and services.
- Establish and operationalise EMAC’s business support service, including tools, resources, and frameworks.
- Manage service contracts, consultants, project budgets, and funding milestone reporting.
- Prepare funding submissions and secure additional funding to support Mana Developments' initiatives.
- Support continuous improvement projects across business processes and systems.
- Develop policy, procedures, and processes for new services and business lines.
- Ensure all work aligns with cultural values, community aspirations, and EMAC strategic documents.
- Work autonomously and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
What you’ll bring
We’re looking for someone who has:
- A degree in Business, Economics, or a related field.
- Strong project management skills with experience managing complex workstreams.
- Commercial acumen and business development experience with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Experience in analysing market research and preparing feasibility assessments.
- Demonstrated success launching or scaling new programs or service models.
- Solid communication skills with the ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to prepare reports for various audiences.
- Proven relationship-building and stakeholder engagement capability.
- Ability to respond to dynamic environments and manage competing priorities.
- Commitment to culturally safe engagement with Eastern Maar citizens and Aboriginal communities. Commitment to and appreciation of Eastern Maar culture, values, and heritage.
- Ability to work respectfully and sensitively with Eastern Maar Citizens and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.
Other requirements include:
- Holder of a Working with Children Check
- Holder of a Current Victorian Driver’s Licence.
- Undertaken a National Police Check for Employment Purposes within the last 3 months
For further details, read the full position description available
Working with EMAC – Our offer to you
At EMAC, we are committed to fostering a supportive, culturally safe, and empowering work environment. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements available
- Salary packaging benefits in accordance with the ATO-approved rates for Public Benevolent Institutions. Currently up to $15,900 + Meal/Entertainment benefits up to $2,650 per year.
- Paid Christmas break in addition to 4 weeks' annual leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- A friendly and supportive culture
- Professional development opportunities.
How can you apply
Applications close: Sunday, 30 November 2025 at 11:59 PM.
To apply, please send:
- Your resume, outlining your employment history, qualifications, and achievements.
- A cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria, highlighting your skills and experience.
Send your application to: Ms Bansri Dave, HR Officer – ***********@easternmaar.com.au
If you have any questions about the role, please email Ms Bansri Dave, HR Officer, at ***********@easternmaar.com.au
Read a full description of the position at https://easternmaar.com.au/program-lead-business-development-2511/