• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Full-time ongoing contract. March – November Based at Culture College house Nhulunbuy NE Arnhem Land. Outside of stipulated season online work location negotiable.
• 6-month probation period. 4 weeks annual leave. Days in lieu can be accrued.
• Unique cross-cultural workplace working closely with Yolŋu Communities and Young people from around Australia.

About the organisation

• Provide two-way job pathways and ongoing mentorship for First Nations cultural educators.

• Create opportunities for First Nations knowledge guided by Elders to pave the way forward through two-way education.
• Empower future leaders with open minds and hearts who will ripple change through their home communities, through actioning true reconciliation and care for Country.
• We are a not-for-profit Aboriginal Corporation & Charity.

Culture Collegeku Gakal : Our Vision

We are changing our future for tomorrow through the hearts of the younger generation. Bringing Yolŋu and Ŋapaki (non-Indigenous) together in balance to listen, learn and grow through Country as a teacher. We are guided by the wisdom of our Elders, who are directed through the cultural vision and knowledge of the Djalkiri (Yolŋu foundation).

Culture Collegeku Dhäwu - Our Story

As a Mittji (team) of First Nations and Ŋapaki (non-Indigenous) educators from across Australia, we are coming together to connect to each other and the participants to the diversity of First Nations knowledge across Australia and beyond. "In coming together, we are weaving a mat." (Djaprirri Mununggirritj - Culture College Director). Woven into the mat are many colours, all connected to make a strong foundation full of knowledge—this is Country. What colours do you weave into the very fabric that is Country?

"In us connecting to ancient sounds of our Country, our voices are also echoing within the four winds, the north, south, east and west coming together.Accompanying us by our language, our music and our storytelling that connects us all to one common ground. As our theme is always Country as a Teacher, this is a very powerful theme on its own, representing who we are as a people from different walks of life, languages and tribes and what is of us in to heal Country."(Djaprirri Mununggirritj - Culture College Director)

Rrambaŋi Djäma - Working Together

Since we started operation in 2015, our programs and our Miṯtji (team) have grown. Each year, we employ 50+ Yolŋu cultural educators from across Northeast Arnhem Land and approximately 30+ First Nations and Ŋapaki (non-Indigenous) mentors and outdoor educators to bridge First Nations knowledge into the hearts and hands of the younger generation. We are a First Nations and ŋapaki (non-Indigenous) Miṯtji (team) coming together to connect, learn, grow and share through shared responsibility, humility, openness and patience.

Reporting relationships

The Operations Manager works with a diverse range of people and stakeholders within the role.

• Culture College CEO
• Culture College Education Manager
• Culture College Yolŋu Directors
• Culture College Program Coordinators
• Culture College Mentors
• Culture College Yolŋu Cultural Educators - Including Yolŋu corporations
• Schools and Corporate Organisations

Operations Manager works alongside the Education Manager. Operations Manager and Education Manager report to the CEO. CEO reports to the CC board of directors. Program coordinators report to the Operations manager.

A UNIQUE RoLE WITHIN THE MITTJI (TEAM)

As Miṯtji, we work within an ecosystem where each action relies upon another to work together/ rrambaŋi djäma.

As the Operations Manager, you have a crucial role within this ecosystem. You are the logistical glue that keeps everything together and running soundly. You have a strong focus on Risk Management and Staff Training to ensure programs are delivered to a high standard.

You will be drawing on your own story, self-awareness, skills and experiences to support participants in getting the most out of the experience, as they are the next generation of custodians.

The more participants receive, understand, and are inspired by throughout the immersion, the stronger the roots are for creating greater balance between First Nations and Non-Indigenous ways of knowing, being, doing, and supporting a united and connected path forward.

As the Operations Manager, you bridge the school, Culture College Miṯtji, operations and education framework together, significantly impacting the quality of experience the participants have. Learning First Nations knowledge and participating in culturally immersive experiences are exciting and rewarding.

Working in the inter-cultural space is challenging and insightful. Often expectations do not match between Yolŋu and Balanda (non-First Nations) systems and it is the role of the Operations Manager is to create a place of balance in this complex environment whilst always having the clients experience, education, safety and interests at the forefront of our thinking. Relationship and trust building with Yolŋu is a huge component of this role, whilst setting appropriate professional boundaries.

Operations Manager Roles and Responsibilities:

• Staff recruitment and Volunteer recruitment; Position descriptions and staff role allocation
• Supervise, coordinate and support up to 50 staff members.
• Lead pre-program and post program workdays to support the preparation and pack down of programs. Set high standards of operation.
• School preparatory sessions- shared with Education manager
• Arnhem Land Budget management
• Program dates and calendar management
• School liaison for existing and new schools
• School post learning sessions- REINTEGRATION shared with Education manager
• Risk management documentation and review. Assess risk for new activities and locations.
• Collaborate and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• Stakeholder management – Arnhem Land based, Schools and other organisations
• Arnhem Land staff flight logistics preparation for flights manager.
• Staff Wage grading
• Operations/logistics Arnhem Land- external provider bookings, logistics documentation, program documentation, vehicles servicing etc.
• Overall maintenance of company assets.
• On ground facilitation of programs in NE Arnhem Land
• At base logistics management and program support whilst programs are running.
• Staff wages/timesheet management.
• Operational documentation, Vehicle log books, Vehicle preparation lists, Emergency procedures, Risk management, Pre and post program checklists, Packing lists, Key contact lists, Child protection, Protective behaviour policy, Communications plans
• Food ordering and menu management- Including Woolworths online orders
• Engage and lead staff training sessions
• Program resource ordering
• Staff disciplinary action
• Set high standards of safety and professional conduct working with students outdoors.
• Yolŋu family liaison, preparation and relationship nurturing. Contact with and meetings with Yolŋu families for program success.
• Working at the Cultural interface and finding balance in program execution where Culture College and Yolŋu are satisfied and entering into a mutual work agreement.
• Continually build new working relationships with Yolŋu community members.
• Provide Job pathways for up-and-coming Yolŋu community members.
• Establish and maintain key agreed working relationships with schools, teachers and personnel on program. Communicate effectively about program changes and overall program roll out and the complexities of working interculturally.

Essential Requirements:

• Formal Outdoor Education qualification(s) relevant to the design, delivery and evaluation of OED programs e.g. Bachelor of Outdoor Education, Bachelor of Outdoor Leadership/Recreation, Cert IV in Outdoor Leadership or higher relevant tertiary qualifications
• Extensive working knowledge in the Outdoor Education industry, and/or Event Management including best practice and experience
• Wilderness First Aid Certificate
• Full Driver’s Licence- Manual (must be able to drive manual)
• Current ‘Working with Children Check’
• Flexibility and adaptability
• H Endorsement (to drive commercial passenger vehicles) or equivalent in your state
• Working with school students in outdoor environments
• Driving manual 4WD vehicle on rough non- sealed surfaces.
• Humility
• Willingness and interest to engage in First Nations relations, learning and education.
• Strong reflective practice and group facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of best practice risk management with schools in remote areas of operation.
• Grounded philosophy in earth-based connection experiences. Are able to articulate and rationalize why you work in this space.

Willing to obtain

• Light ridged licensing
• NT H-endorsement licensing.
• Mental Health First aid
• Bronze medallion or equivalent.
• Anaphylaxis certificate training.

Child safety

• Uphold CC child protection policy and laws.
• Revisit key working principles with staff on a regular basis.
• CC has zero tolerance of child abuse
• Follow mandatory reporting processes.

Safety and Emergency

• Ensure ratios are met with activities.
• Implement emergency management processes.
• Review and uphold risk management plans.
• Take part in staff training.
• Take part in risk management discussions amongst staff on a regular basis.
• Support program plans for students with special needs.
• Monitor weather and provide updates to CEO when on program. In particular show due diligence surrounding cyclone watch either side of the dry season.
• Ensure you follow CC protocols and documentation for best practice.
• Are a strong role model for young people.
• Take part in Reconnaissance trips to new homelands or areas to conduct activities.

How to apply

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your application an include the following:

• An up-to-date CV
• A cover letter outlining why you have applied for the position and how you meet the essential requirements of the position

Any further questions please contact [email protected] using the subject line: Operations Manager - Nhulunbuy enquiry via EthicalJobs.