Chief Executive Officer

Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) is recruiting for an experienced senior leader to fill the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Based in Narooma, Wagonga LALC is established under the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983. Its primary purpose is to improve, protect and foster the best interests of all Aboriginal persons within the LALC's area and its members. It has a range of legislative responsibilities under the ALRA relating to land acquisition, land use and management, Aboriginal culture and heritage, and financial stewardship.

Yilabara, a wholly Aboriginal owned employment and training organisation, is supporting Wagonga LALC to recruit to this important role.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with experience in leading organisations are strongly encouraged to apply for this role.

About you

You are an experienced senior manager with a demonstrated commitment to and knowledge and understanding of the cultural, social and economic needs of Aboriginal in NSW and generally.

You are:

• known for your communication skills and are able to engage comfortably with and build the trust of local Aboriginal communities, Elders, individuals and Aboriginal organisations
• highly skilled at engaging and negotiating with key stakeholders including government, businesses and non-government organisations while representing the position and interests of your organisation
• experienced at building effective working relationships with elected governing bodies to ensure their legislative, compliance and governance requirements are met to the highest standard
• have demonstrated experience in business, financial and operational planning
• have a sound understanding of financial principles and practices consistent with Australian Accounting Standards.

About the role

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for effectively managing the operations of the Wagonga LALC. The role involves providing accurate and sound advice to the Board to enable informed decisions and ensuring the implementation of the Board's resolutions in a timely and appropriate manner. The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Chairperson of Wagonga LALC.

Key responsibilities

• Day-to-day management of the Council's affairs
• Enable and provide assistance to Wagonga LALC Board to carry out its legislative obligations, as required
• Provide support to Wagonga LALC Board and Members meetings, including maintenance of all records and the membership roll
• Exercise functions of the LALC as delegated by the Board to the Chief Executive Officer
• Appointment of staff in accordance with the approval of the Board
• Efficient organisation, management, leadership and operation of the LALC Office and staff, ensuring procedures are effectively followed and policies are correctly interpreted and implemented
• Exercise delegated authority and approve expenditure on all matters within set limits and within guidelines of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 and Regulations
• Undertake business and operational planning and budgeting to deliver approved projects and programs
• Control of the accounting function and preparation and submission of budgets as required
• Property Management, including maintenance and security of buildings
• Actively encourage Community involvement in Land Rights issues whilst promoting good community relationships
• Liaising with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, government bodies and other organisations as required.

Essential Criteria

• Knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA)
• Capacity to interpret and implement legislative requirements
• Sound communication skills including negotiation, consultation and mediation skills and capacity to prepare reports and submissions
• Organisational and management experience to effectively lead, direct and manage the LALC
• Sound understanding of accounting practices and principles
• Knowledge and/or appreciation of the cultural, social and economic needs of Aboriginal people
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues that affect Aboriginal communities, societies and cultures in NSW
• Sound understanding of Equal Employment Opportunity and Work Health and Safety requirements.

How to apply

Please upload your current resume and a cover letter that demonstrates how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria for the role as outlined above. Applications without a cover letter that addresses the essential criteria may not be considered.

Applications are to be received by 11.59 on Tuesday 1 September 2026. Applications will be progressively reviewed prior to closing date. Only candidates selected for pre-screen will be contacted.

For further information about the role, please contact Alix Goodwin, Business Development Manager at [email protected]