Strategy and Advocacy Manager

• Location: Darwin
• Status: Full-time ongoing

Lead policy influence that advances the rights and interests of Aboriginal people across the NLC region.

About the Role

This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape how the Northern Land Council develops, coordinates and advocates its policy positions. Reporting to the General Manager Governance, Strategy and Communication, you will lead the Strategy and Advocacy Service Area and provide trusted advice to the CEO, Chairperson and Full Council on complex policy, legislative and reform matters affecting Aboriginal people across the NLC region.

You will turn research, community knowledge and the lived experiences of NLC constituents into clear, evidence-based positions that can influence governments, legislation and public policy. Working across the organisation and with Council members, Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations, government and other partners, you will build strong advocacy channels and ensure the NLC's voice is organised, informed and effective.

You will also lead the strategy and advocacy team and remote housing team, oversee policy and engagement projects, and ensure high-quality submissions, briefings, position papers and advice are delivered on issues including housing, health, social and environmental policy and Closing the Gap.

What you will Bring

You are an experienced policy and advocacy leader who can navigate political complexity, competing interests and sensitive issues with sound judgement. You can listen carefully, build trust across cultures and turn complex evidence into practical advice and persuasive advocacy. You will be equally comfortable engaging with Traditional Owners and Council members, briefing senior leaders, leading a multidisciplinary team and representing the NLC with government and external stakeholders.

In addition to this, you will have: 

• A degree in social sciences, political science, law or a related field, or equivalent experience in a comparable senior policy or advocacy role.
• At least five years' relevant experience in policy, advocacy or community engagement, together with at least three years' experience leading or supervising a team and function.
• Strong knowledge of political, legislative and government frameworks, with demonstrated ability to research complex issues and prepare influential submissions, reports, briefings and position papers.
• High-level cross-cultural capability and relationship-building skills, a current driver's licence and the capacity to travel to remote locations across the NLC region.

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

What’s in it for you?

At the NLC, you will lead work with genuine purpose and national relevance. You will help amplify the voices of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people, shape reform agendas and strengthen the NLC's ability to influence decisions that affect Country, culture, communities and future generations. You will work alongside committed leaders and subject-matter experts in a role with substantial scope, visibility and impact.

We offer:

• Base salary of $150,000 per annum plus 15% superannuation paid on base salary and district allowance.
• Salary packaging of up to $15,900, plus meal entertainment and holiday accommodation benefits of up to $2,650 per year.
• Generous leave provisions, including five weeks' annual leave, 18 days' personal leave and a paid Christmas closedown.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and expertise you will bring to this role?

The Northern Land Council is committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment. This position is a prioritised position and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants who meet the selection requirements will be given priority consideration in accordance with the NLC's Special Measures provisions and Section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.

For further information, Contact David Astalosh on 0418 938 429.

Applications close: Sunday 30 August 2026

About the NLC

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region.  Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC.  We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.