Manager - Partnerships and Enterprise Development

• Location: Darwin or Katherine
• Status: Full-time ongoing

This is an opportunity to lead work at the intersection of Traditional Owner governance, land and sea management, strategic partnerships and sustainable enterprise development. Reporting to the General Manager – Land and Sea Management, you will lead a multidisciplinary service area responsible for partnerships, parks joint management activities, environmental markets, research collaborations and enterprise development opportunities.

About the role

Working closely with Traditional Owners, you will ensure their aspirations and decision-making guide the development and delivery of programs. You will lead complex negotiations, strengthen relationships across government, Aboriginal organisations, industry, research and funding sectors, and identify opportunities that create enduring cultural, environmental, social and economic benefits. This position translates organisational strategy and executive direction into clear priorities for the service area, while maintaining strong governance, financial oversight and accountability for delivery.

What you will Bring

You will be an experienced senior leader who can build trust, navigate complex interests and turn strategic opportunities into well-governed, practical outcomes. You will bring sound judgement, strong commercial and partnership capability, and a demonstrated ability to support Traditional Owner decision-making in culturally appropriate ways. Your leadership style will be accountable, collaborative and grounded in respect for Aboriginal governance, knowledge and aspirations. You will provide strategic leadership across parks partnerships and negotiations, environmental and natural capital markets, research partnerships, fire and operational support functions, and enterprise initiatives. You will also lead and develop managers and senior specialists, promote culturally safe and Traditional Owner-centred practice, manage complex risks and represent the NLC in high-level negotiations and stakeholder forums.

In addition to this, you will have 

• Relevant senior management experience, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex partnerships, negotiations and stakeholder engagement across government, Aboriginal organisations, industry, research and funding sectors.
• Proven experience in environmental markets, natural resource management, conservation, economic development or related fields.
• Demonstrated understanding of Aboriginal governance frameworks, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles, and culturally appropriate engagement practices.

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

What’s in it for you?

At the NLC, you will lead work with genuine purpose—supporting Traditional Owners to protect Country, strengthen governance and pursue sustainable opportunities on their terms. You will join a values-led organisation where cultural knowledge and lived experience are central, and where your leadership can contribute to lasting outcomes across the Top End.

We offer:

• A base salary of $150,000 per annum plus 15% superannuation
• salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefit up to $2,650 per year. 
• Generous leave provisions 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave
• Paid Christmas close down;

Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and expertise you will bring to this role?

The Northern Land Council is committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. This position is a prioritised position and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants who meet the selection requirements will be given priority consideration in accordance with the NLC's Special Measures provisions and Section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. 

If you have any further queries, please contact General Manager, Paul Donohoe on 0456 811 868.

Applications Close: Monday 14 September 2026

About the NLC

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region.  Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC.  We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.