Only Indigenous Australians are eligible to apply as this position is exempt under the Special Measure Provision, Section 12 (1) of the Equal Opportunity Act 2011 (Vic).

About the National Native Title Council

The National Native Title Council (NNTC) is the peak body for the native title sector and Traditional Owners. The NNTC works to advance the rights and interests of Traditional Owners through strong advocacy, targeted networking and by providing opportunities to their members to develop their professional skills to engage across the sector.

Their approach is rights-based and is underpinned by best practice standards such as UNDRIP’s Free, Prior and Informed Consent. The NNTC provides a national voice and platform to elevate and amplify the interests of our members and Traditional Owners more broadly.

About the University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is a world-renowned institution recognised for its excellence in research, teaching, and community engagement. As one of Australia's leading universities, it offers a diverse range of programs across numerous disciplines, fostering innovation and critical thinking. With a rich history and a commitment to shaping global leaders, the university provides a vibrant and inclusive environment for students from all walks of life. Located in the heart of Melbourne, it is deeply connected to the city's dynamic cultural and economic landscape, ensuring that students are equipped to address real-world challenges.

About the Centre

A new and exciting Centre has been developed by the National Native Title Council and the University of Melbourne that will provide world leading research, training and acceleration for Traditional Owners. The key purpose of the Centre is to support Australia’s Traditional Owners in translating their land and sea rights into tangible economic, social and cultural outcomes to drive economic empowerment in their communities and broader regional Australia. The Centre will maximise the benefits of these rights by building a strong knowledge base for future agreement-making and leadership skills for First Nations youth.

About the role

The Centre Director will lead the Centre within the Faculty of Business and Economics, fostering excellence in research and teaching while building strong, strategic partnerships with Indigenous communities, private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Reporting to the Dean and guided by advisory boards, the Centre Director will play a key role in enhancing the Centre's domestic and international reputation. Additionally, the role will nurture high-performing staff, manage workforce-related matters, and oversee the Centre's finances through effective planning, budgeting, fundraising, and expenditure control.

For a full list of responsibilities, please contact Pipeline Talent at [email protected], using the subject line: Centre Director - National Native Title Council (NNTC) enquiry via EthicalJobs.

About you

Your strengths lie in fostering robust relationships with stakeholders, leveraging exceptional interpersonal skills, creative problem-solving, and demonstrating astute judgement. Your collaborative spirit and deep understanding of strategic priorities will ensure seamless delivery of the Centre's objectives. You demonstrate through consistent behaviour, respect for and compliance with culturally appropriate ways of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.

You will also possess a track record of partnerships with Indigenous communities, corporations or Traditional Owners, locally, nationally and / or internationally alongside a demonstrated track record of successfully sourcing external funding – identify funding opportunities, especially from business and government, and pursuing those opportunities to completion.

Key Selection Criteria

1. Strong understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems and principles of self-determination
2. Experience building partnerships with Indigenous communities, and forming strategic relationships with public, private and not-for-profit sectors and stakeholders
3. A PhD or Postgraduate Degree in Law or a Business-related discipline (or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and education / training)
4. Proven ability or experience with obtaining and managing funding sources/ streams to ensure the financial sustainability and growth of the Centre
5. Excellent leadership and management experience

Additional Requirements

• The ability to undergo and maintain an up-to-date Working with Children Check
• A willingness to travel as required to represent the Centre nationally and internationally

What we can offer you

• Senior leadership role working at a national level with the opportunity to make an impact
• Champion the Centre’s strategic direction and form part of its foundational team
• Competitive salary
• Flexible work options
• Relocation assistance
• Exceptional personal and professional development

For further information about the benefits on offer at the University of Melbourne, please visit Staff Benefits here.

How to apply

All applications must be made in writing and include the following:

• An up-to-date CV
• A cover letter (maximum two pages) addressing the key selection criteria above, outlining why you have applied for the position and how you meet the requirements of the position.

Applications are to be submitted via the Pipeline Talent website, via the Apply Now link.

Unfortunately, late submissions will not be accepted.

How to get more information

For further information on the position, please contact the team at Pipeline Talent.

Jay Knapp | Senior Recruitment Consultant

[email protected] | [email protected], using the subject line: Centre Director - National Native Title Council (NNTC) enquiry via EthicalJobs.

M: 0438 981 457 | PH: 02 8001 6603