Special Projects Manager

• Lead high-impact projects that deliver long-term outcomes for Palyku Traditional Owners and Country.
• Work closely with the CEO, Board, Traditional Owners, government and industry stakeholders.
• Drive strategic negotiations, agreement-making and community development initiatives.

About the Corporation:

The Palyku-Jartayi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (‘PJAC’) was incorporated in January 2020 under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.

 As the prescribed body corporate of the Palyku Native Title Holders, PJAC holds the Palyku people’s native title rights and interests in trust to:

• Promote the management of the language, culture, and traditional practice of the Palyku people;
• Ensure that the Palyku people’s culture and heritage is recorded, protected, and shared within the Palyku community;
• Ensure compliance with the obligations of the Palyku people detailed within Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage Agreements;
• Develop and implement a Strategic Plan for PJAC;
• Promote Palyku community development programmes;
• Foster business and employment opportunities and promote sustainability; and
• Promote in all Corporation endeavours the common good of Palyku people through equitable action and enterprise.

About the Role:

The Special Projects Manager will play a key role in supporting PJAC to deliver its strategic priorities and translate community aspirations into practical, sustainable outcomes.

 The role will provide leadership across major projects, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and management, agreement-making and project implementation. It will also involve working closely with Palyku Traditional Owners, the PJAC Board, government agencies, industry stakeholders and PJAC teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting the CEO and Board to implement organisational priorities, resolve cross-functional issues and maintain focus on PJAC Board-approved outcomes.
• Prepare high-quality Board and committee papers, briefings, options and recommendations.
• Identify emerging opportunities and risks affecting Palyku Country, PJAC and Palyku people.
• Coordinate legal, policy, technical and other specialist advice so PJAC receives integrated rather than fragmented recommendations.
• Leading and overseeing major strategic projects and initiatives.
• Building strong relationships with Traditional Owners, government and industry stakeholders.
• Supporting culturally safe engagement and informed participation by Traditional Owners.
• Leading negotiations and strategic agreement-making.
• Overseeing grants, funding, budgets, compliance and reporting.
• Work with the Heritage Manager to integrate native title, future act, cultural heritage, land access and broader strategic considerations into a coherent PJAC position.
• Identify employment, training, procurement, contracting, service and enterprise opportunities arising from agreements, projects and activity on Palyku Country.
• Supporting the implementation of PJAC’s Strategic, Country and other plans.

The successful applicant will have strong experience in stakeholder engagement, negotiation, leadership and project management, with experience working in environmental, heritage or related contexts.

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in law, business, commerce, economics, project management, public policy, community development or a related field is desirable. Equivalent senior experience will be considered.
• Experience (10 years minimum) in stakeholder engagement, negotiations in environmental, heritage, land access and complex agreement-making contexts.
• Experience working respectfully and collaboratively with Traditional Owners.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing strategic projects and consultation processes.
• Strong organisational and reporting skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and remotely.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Suite.
• Relevant qualifications or equivalent senior experience.

A National Police Check, C Class Driver’s Licence and Working with Children Check are required. First Aid accreditation, or willingness to obtain, is also required.

How to apply:

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit:

• A copy of your Resume.
• A cover letter stating your experience for the role.

Applications and enquiries should be sent to Samantha at [email protected].

APPLICATIONS CLOSE: Close Of Business, Monday, 12 October 2026