Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous Australians?
The NIAA Central Group is offering an exceptional opportunity to join our Darwin office as the Business Services Assistant Director—a pivotal role driving high-impact corporate services across the Northern Territory.
This is more than just a job—it's a chance to lead a passionate team, shape strategic outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to the work of NIAA in some of Australia's most unique and diverse regions.
As the Assistant Director, Business services you will lead the Business Services team, a group of dedicated professionals delivering essential corporate support across NT.
Your leadership will ensure the smooth operation of:
Facilities and fleet management
Security and remote property operations
Procurement and contract oversight
Reception and office services
Human resources support and coordination
You'll manage a geographically dispersed team, fostering collaboration and consistency across urban and remote locations.
Your strategic oversight will enable NIAA's programs to flourish by ensuring our corporate backbone is strong, responsive, and future-focused.
The key responsibilities of the role are:
monitor operational risks and implement mitigation strategies
track performance against KPIs and provide actionable insights to senior leadership
prepare high-quality reports, briefs, and presentations for senior executives and governance committees
represent the region in national forums and contribute to strategic planning
mentor and coach team members to build capability and confidence
support career progression through structured development plans and feedback
lead projects to streamline operations, introduce new technologies, and improve service delivery
identify opportunities for innovation in remote service models and regional logistics
drive the delivery of corporate services with a focus on efficiency, compliance, and service excellence
oversee regional property and fleet operations, ensuring assets are well-managed and fit-for-purpose.
The key duties of the position include:We're on the lookout for a dynamic, strategic leader who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and is driven by purpose.
If you're passionate about making a real difference and have a strong foundation in corporate services, this is your chance to lead with impact.
You bring deep experience across a range of operational functions—facilities, fleet, procurement, HR support, and remote property management—and know how to keep things running smoothly, even in the most challenging settings.
You're not just a manager—you're a connector, someone who builds trust and fosters collaboration across teams, communities, and service providers.
You understand the importance of cultural awareness and regional nuance, especially when working in remote and Indigenous communities.
Your leadership style is inclusive, empowering, and values-driven—you know how to bring out the best in your people, nurture talent, and create a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Our ideal candidate will demonstrate the following skills and attributes:
experience and knowledge in corporate operations, administration, and HR practices, with a solid understanding of government processes and compliance
a strategic thinker who can see the big picture while managing the details—someone who can lead improvement initiatives and drive operational efficiency
an effective communicator who can prepare high-quality reports and briefs and confidently engage with senior leadership and governance committees
a leader who is passionate about talent development, coaching, and mentoring, and who values diversity and inclusion
resilient, adaptable and able to navigate challenges and lead through change in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.
Occupants must be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline level security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
Successful candidates will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check.
NotesOngoing & Non-ongoing (for an initial period of up to 12 months).
These roles are being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the NIAA delegate.
Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for an initial period of up to 12 months, with possibility of extension up to a maximum period of two years.
A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.
The National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) has a range of flexible working arrangements available to its employees under the Enterprise Agreement and relevant policies and guidance materials.
Working arrangements can be negotiated with successful candidates on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the operational requirements of the role and the individual's personal circumstances and preferences.
Getting to know the National Indigenous Australians AgencyThe National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) works directly to, and supports the Minister for Indigenous Australians, to implement whole-of-government policies and programs to improve the lives of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This includes liaising closely with State and Territory governments, Indigenous peak bodies, stakeholders, and service providers to ensure that Indigenous programs and services are delivering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as intended.
The NIAA team includes people across Australia who work closely with communities to address their unique needs.