About the Treaty Authority

The Treaty Authority is an independent entity with a mandate to facilitate the formation of treaties between First Peoples in Victoria and the State of Victoria. The Authority has been referred to as the “independent umpire” in Treaty negotiations.

The Authority’s work is grounded in Aboriginal culture, lore and law and is led collectively by a panel of five Members committed to Aboriginal self-determination, empowerment and human rights. It engages with a broad cross-section of stakeholders including the First Peoples’ Assembly, Traditional Owners, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations and the State of Victoria.

The objects of the Authority’s work are to:

• Facilitate the journey towards reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance between First Peoples and other people of the State and
• Maintain, promote and advance the self-determination and empowerment, culture and human rights of First Peoples.

About the Role

The Authority aims to appoint a highly experienced Chief Executive Officer (CEO) who will be a key leader within the Treaty Negotiation process in Victoria and will play a critical role in achieving a successful treaty process across Victoria.

Together with the Members, the CEO is responsible for leading and driving the strategic direction and vision of the organisation. This will include the delivery of the Authority’s functions and its operational, financial, and legal compliance to achieve the organisation’s purpose and meet its obligations under relevant legislation.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Facilitating and overseeing Treaty negotiations
• Administering the Treaty Negotiation Framework
• Providing for the resolution of disputes
• Carrying out research to support Treaty negotiations and
• Overseeing the Negotiations Database.

The CEO will provide strong and purpose-led leadership for the employees, focusing on building a connected, engaged and culturally strong organisational culture to support the Authority’s vision and values. The CEO will coach and mentor a cohesive and high-performing senior leadership team to drive change and enable the organisation to meet its strategic objectives.

In this high-profile role, there will be a strong focus on building relationships and partnerships with the First Peoples’ Assembly, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, the broader Victorian Aboriginal community, the State Government and other stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader with proven experience as a CEO or Senior Executive, with expertise in community advocacy and social justice, growing an organisation essentially from scratch and display a willingness to be hands-on while being strategically focused.

This role requires an individual who is passionate about being part of historic reform to progress Treaty-making in Victoria. They will be able to perform under pressure and operate with the highest level of integrity. They will display empathy and respect whilst promoting resilience and perseverance across the team. They will lead in a way that maintains focus on the primary goal of achieving Treaties in a way that best furthers the achievement of the rights of Aboriginal Victorians.

This is a full-time role for a fixed term of three years, based at our offices in Collingwood.

Key Duties

• In consultation with Members and key stakeholders, develop and implement strategic objectives and organisational plans to deliver on the Treaty Authority’s functions and equip the organisation for long-term success.
• Facilitate the Treaty Authority in negotiating Treaty outcomes in line with its purpose, powers, authority, functions, deliverables and reporting requirements.
• Establish and deliver the Treaty Authority’s operational, financial and workforce plans to deliver the organisation’s vision and meet obligations under relevant legislation.
• Provide purpose-led leadership for all employees and sustain an organisational culture that:

• Is culturally safe and productive
• Drives a connected, innovative and accountable high-performing team
• Is aligned to the organisational vision, values and brand
• Is agile and encourages open communication and feedback and
• Welcomes and supports diversity and safety.

• Manage the Treaty Authority’s finances and assets to meet all legal requirements and achieve best practice financial management.
• Implement policies and systems to ensure the organisation is run efficiently and effectively with strong reporting mechanisms, documented procedures and effective corporate governance.
• Working with Members and the Legal team, ensure compliance with the Treaty Act, Treaty Authority Agreement, Treaty Authority Act and other relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Strong focus on building relationships and partnerships with the First Peoples’ Assembly, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, the broader Victorian Aboriginal community, the State Government and other stakeholders.
• Act as a spokesperson and representative for the Treaty Authority.

Selection Criteria

• A tertiary qualification in a relevant field preferred (eg Business, Law, Finance, Public Policy). Postgraduate business qualifications (eg MBA) are an advantage.
• Previous or lived experience working with Aboriginal communities preferably in Victoria, with sound working knowledge of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, Traditional Owner groups, legislative and regulatory regimes, Aboriginal histories and leaders, democratic processes, machinery of government and the Victorian Public Service.
• Passionate about being part of historic reform to progress Treaty-making in Victoria.
• Strong understanding and interest in the commitment to First Peoples’ communities and causes.
• The ability to lead proactively in a way that will support the achievement of the Treaty Authority’s values and build its reputation within Victoria and nationally. This will include demonstrated strategic leadership skills through a purpose-led and collaborative leadership style.
• An ability to form and engage teams and create a culturally safe and productive workplace culture.
• Proven ability to develop and nurture complex stakeholder relationships including experience working with government and influencing public policy development and change.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, a confident public speaker with the capacity to tailor communication styles to different preferences and audiences.
• Able to communicate, share ideas and information and influence effectively.
• Strong analytic and strategic problem-solving skills that support and enable the business through a collaborative leadership style.
• Experience multi-tasking and balancing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

The Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for the position.

Click the "Apply Now" button to submit your application with a copy of your resume along with a brief cover letter explaining why you are interested in this opportunity.

If you have any questions in regards to this position or would like more information, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer enquiry via EthicalJobs.