The Role

Our Values reflect how we interact with each other, how we take the time to listen to our clients and how we learn from them about how to provide a better service to them. Fundamental to our values is the recognition that Aboriginal People have the absolute right to Self Determination including the right to make decisions about their future.

This is a highly unique technical role, putting the human and operational face to a legal framework of deeds, constitutions and agreements. It requires a rigorous, organised individual with an analytical approach and eye for detail who is not afraid of using their emotional intelligence to find the best outcomes possible for each unique situation.

You will need to be courageous in what at times can be demanding situations. If you have outstanding communication and relationship building skills and can show respect for and value Australia’s First Peoples, then you will find this a rewarding opportunity.

Working closely with the delegated trustee, you will work to support the effective administration of trusts and corporations ensuring that they are compliant with deeds/rule books and relevant legislation at all times. We are looking for someone who wants to develop both personally and professionally in the role with the aim to progress to the role of delegated trustee.

You will be part of a team which interacts and meets with Aboriginal People both in our Perth Office and through regular travel to meet our clients on their country. Initially no staff will report to this position but it has the potential to lead others in the future. 

About Us

Since 2001 Abbott Native Title Trustees (Abbotts) has grown and evolved to include various trustee roles across Western Australia including Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields and Murchison regions. It now offers its services Australia wide.

It has established an experienced team based in Perth which works closely with all of its trusts, regularly travelling to meet with the representatives of each group to ensure we provide a professional, transparent and fair service.

Through Paperbark Corporation Services it also provides a range of services to Aboriginal companies (ASIC) and corporations (ORIC) including administration, bookkeeping and governance support. It also assists these entities to liaise and do business with mining companies, local government and state government agencies by providing logistical and facilitation services for meetings and surveys.

Our Purpose

We acknowledge Aboriginal People’s inherent right to culture, country and resources, and our purpose is to work with them to improve their political, economic and social standing.

This purpose is fundamental to the operations of our business and is confirmed by our commitment to the following:

• We want to be part of a world where Aboriginal people are respected for the decisions that they make in determining their future.
• We acknowledge the importance of Mabo, Sorry to the Nation and the Uluru Statement from the Heart, as being incredibly important steps towards Aboriginal self-determination and recognition.
• We also acknowledge the importance of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

These important events and milestones shape our approach to the way we do business and in doing so we want to be recognised:

• for the way we take the time to listen to and learn from Aboriginal People to inform the way we work.
• for understanding the importance of culture to Aboriginal People in everyday life.
• for providing a transparent and fair service.

Accountabilities

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Values and culture:

Prepared to learn about our values and approach the role with our values in mind:

• Show Respect.
• Value Australia's First Peoples.
• Take The Time.
• Be Courageous.

Relationships, Communication and Meetings:

• Be part of a team which interacts and meets with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, in our Port Hedland or Perth Office and travels for short periods to meet our clients on their country
• Interpret clients’ needs/aspirations into workable distribution policies/programs.
• Build relationship though regular and frequent interaction with clients both one on one and in group settings.
• Meeting attendance and facilitation, including drafting and finalisation of minutes.
• Report and letter writing.
• Develop policies and procedures to assist with operations of each trust.

Compliance and Administration:

• Ensure each trust is operated in line with the trust deed and relevant legislation.
• Ensure each corporation is operated in line with its rule book and relevant legislation.
• Maintain meeting outcomes action list/register and follow up on items as required.
• Maintenance of resolution registers.
• Management of trust beneficiary and corporation membership registers.

Logistical and Project Management:

• Planning and preparation for meetings including notices, agendas and meeting papers for; directors’ meetings, committee meetings and general meetings.
• Ensure heritage surveys take place in line with relevant agreement.
• Management of property and projects either directly or oversee work of contractor.

Financial Management:

• Draft and implement budgets.
• Management of trust in line with budget.
• Monitor financial performance and cash flow.
• Liaise with financial planner or investment manager as required.

Team Leader/Support (if applicable):

Responsible for building and nurturing an effective team through:

• Building trust and psychological safety‍.
• Alignment of purpose and values‍.
• Effective stewardship‍ of team’s work.
• Clarity of roles‍.
• Ensuring meaningful progress.‍
• A high level of accountability.

Other:

• All employees have responsibility for Occupational Health and Safety.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Relationships, Communication and Meetings:
  • Ability to build relationships with a range of stakeholders.
  • Very strong oral and written communication skills
  • Meeting facilitation experience.
• Compliance and Administration:

  • Highly analytical and accurate with an ability to interpret documents in a practical way.

• Logistical and Project Management:
  • High level organisational skills and ability to consistently follow-through on tasks.
• Adaptable with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Excellent all-round computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Preferred:

• Experience working with Aboriginal People.
• Experience managing finances/budget.
• Experience as a team leader; providing support to and nurturing others in a work environment.
• Knowledge of trusts, particularly charitable trusts.

If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact [email protected] using the subject line: Client Manager enquiry via EthicalJobs.