The Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) is an Indigenous-led, member-based organisation. Our membership is made up of Indigenous Land Management Organisations from the desert (ILMOs). We work with over 65 ranger groups and play a vital role strengthening desert ranger programs and keeping the desert connected.Directed by Traditional Owners, ILMOs and their ranger teams undertake a wide range of cultural, environmental, and natural resource management activities. These activities include:cultural knowledge transfercultural site and heritage managementferal animal and weed controlthreatened species recovery projectsfee for service economic activitiesThe IDA works closely with ILMOs to ensure that Indigenous rangers can collaboratively manage the Australian desert and realise their aspirations for community, culture, and Country. We do so by facilitating connections between ILMOs and stakeholders, by providing operational, capacity building and project management support, and through advocacy.About the Role -Chief of Engagement2 year Fixed term ContractThe Chief of Engagement is a senior leadership role within the IDA, and will be responsible for ensuring that IDA is widely recognised, highly influential and well-resourced to support Indigenous desert rangers, its members, and other key stakeholders. Working closely with theCEO, Board, and Executive Team, this role drivesstrategic engagement, advocacy, and partnershipsto elevate IDAs profile as The Voice of the Desert.The Chief of Engagement will lead and manage IDAs Network and Engagement Team, driving high- impact engagement with members and stakeholders through effective and innovative channels, including our flagship conference, forums, and events. They will spearhead IDAs targeted advocacy and external communications strategy, ensuring the organisations influence on key policy priorities continues to be respected and grow.A core focus of this role is securing strategic partnerships and long-term funding, ensuring IDA has the resources and investment needed to sustain its work and strengthen the Indigenous desert ranger sector.This high-profile role will be one of the key public faces of IDA, ensuring that members, stakeholders, decision-makers, funders, and the broader public clearly understand who we are, what we do, and why our work matters.To be successful in this role, you will have:Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and advocacy with exceptional relationship building and negotiation skills across a wide range of stakeholders including government, not for profit and corporate sectorsHighly capable leadership skills with a track record of leading and developing teams and driving organisational objectivesStrong strategic political acumen, with a track record of influencing policy outcomesInterest and understanding of Indigenous land and conservation management or experience working within Indigenous-led organisationsOutstanding communication and interpersonal skills across a range of stakeholders, with expertise in developing and executing advocacy and engagement strategies.The position requires a strong commitment to working collaboratively with Indigenous people and community-based organisations. To do so, ideally you would have:Knowledge of the Indigenous land management sectorDemonstrated experience in working effectively with Indigenous peopleGood understanding of the remote Indigenous social, cultural and economic contextFamiliarity with biodiversity markets, carbon markets or conservation finance mechanisms.The successful applicant must be based in Australia. Within Australia the work location is negotiable; however, there is a preference for the role to be based in the IDAs office in Perth. The role may involve some periods of extended and remote travel in the desert.What we offerJoin a successful national for purpose organisation that is having a significantpositive impact across the desert of AustraliaAn unique and rewarding opportunity to work with Aboriginal communities looking after their CountryCompetitive remuneration package, excellent conditions and salary packaging availableA dynamic culture of dedicated, passionate, and professional team membersAdditional paid leave during Christmas/New Year shut down periodEmployee Wellbeing program for personal well-beingSee the position description attached below for further information about this role.nrmjobs.com.au/job/20026411About UsThe Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) is an Indigenous-led, member-based organisation. Our membership is made up of Indigenous Land Management Organisations from the desert (ILMOs). We work with over 65 ranger groups and play a vital role strengthening desert ranger programs and keeping the desert connected.Directed by Traditional Owners, ILMOs and their ranger teams undertake a wide range of cultural, environmental, and natural resource management activities. These activities include:cultural knowledge transfercultural site and heritage managementfire managementferal animal and weed controlthreatened species recovery projectsfee for service economic activitiesThe IDA works closely with ILMOs to ensure that Indigenous rangers can collaboratively manage the Australian desert and realise their aspirations for community, culture, and Country. We do so by facilitating connections between ILMOs and stakeholders, by providing operational, capacity building and project management support, and through advocacy.About the Role -Chief of Engagement2 year Fixed term ContractThe Chief of Engagement is a senior leadership role within the IDA, and will be responsible for ensuring that IDA is widely recognised, highly influential and well-resourced to support Indigenous desert rangers, its members, and other key stakeholders. Working closely with theCEO, Board, and Executive Team, this role drivesstrategic engagement, advocacy, and partnershipsto elevate IDAs profile as The Voice of the Desert.The Chief of Engagement will lead and manage IDAs Network and Engagement Team, driving high- impact engagement with members and stakeholders through effective and innovative channels, including our flagship conference, forums, and events. They will spearhead IDAs targeted advocacy and external communications strategy, ensuring the organisations influence on key policy priorities continues to be respected and grow.A core focus of this role is securing strategic partnerships and long-term funding, ensuring IDA has the resources and investment needed to sustain its work and strengthen the Indigenous desert ranger sector.This high-profile role will be one of the key public faces of IDA, ensuring that members, stakeholders, decision-makers, funders, and the broader public clearly understand who we are, what we do, and why our work matters.To be successful in this role, you will have:Proven experience in stakeholder engagement and advocacy with exceptional relationship building and negotiation skills across a wide range of stakeholders including government, not for profit and corporate sectorsHighly capable leadership skills with a track record of leading and developing teams and driving organisational objectivesStrong strategic political acumen, with a track record of influencing policy outcomesInterest and understanding of Indigenous land and conservation management or experience working within Indigenous-led organisationsOutstanding communication and interpersonal skills across a range of stakeholders, with expertise in developing and executing advocacy and engagement strategies.The position requires a strong commitment to working collaboratively with Indigenous people and community-based organisations. To do so, ideally you would have:Knowledge of the Indigenous land management sectorDemonstrated experience in working effectively with Indigenous peopleGood understanding of the remote Indigenous social, cultural and economic contextFamiliarity with biodiversity markets, carbon markets or conservation finance mechanisms.The successful applicant must be based in Australia. Within Australia the work location is negotiable; however, there is a preference for the role to be based in the IDAs office in Perth. The role may involve some periods of extended and remote travel in the desert.What we offerJoin a successful national for purpose organisation that is having a significantpositive impact across the desert of AustraliaAn unique and rewarding opportunity to work with Aboriginal communities looking after their CountryCompetitive remuneration package, excellent conditions and salary packaging availableA dynamic culture of dedicated, passionate, and professional team membersAdditional paid leave during Christmas/New Year shut down periodEmployee Wellbeing program for personal well-beingSee the position description attached below for further information about this role.nrmjobs.com.au/job/20026411How to apply:If this exciting opportunity sounds like the perfect role for you, please provide a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and what you can bring to the role, along with your CV to hrstaff@indigenousdesertalliance.com .Applications close Monday 4 August 2025.The IDA reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Our recruitment and selection process include a variety of assessment methods that may encompass reference checks and verification of working rights in Australia.The IDA is committed to safeguarding vulnerable people. You may be required to undergo a screening process on appointment.The IDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds including Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people, physical ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and family background. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Title
Chief of Engagement