Fixed Term, Full Time Appointment (contract until 2027)
Professional Employee Level 10 – annual salary $128,903 – $143,061 pa
Plus 17% superannuation and 6 weeks annual leave
Casuarina Campus

The Molly Wardaguga Institute for First Nations Birth Rights (Molly Institute) was established in honour of the Burarra Elder and midwife, Molly Wardaguga, who worked extensively to improve health outcomes, with a vision of returning the control of First Nations birthing services to First Nations communities. The Institute works toward Molly’s vision by supporting First Nations communities to realise their aspirations for birthing and maternal healthcare.

About the Position
As the Associate Director, Engagement and Strategy, you will be responsible for providing First Nations representation and leadership to the overall strategic direction and operations of the Institute, in conjunction with the Director.
The position will be responsible for the overall business services functions for the Institute and will provide overall strategic direction and management of the business services team. The role will take a leadership and supportive role with the Executive Level Team members in implementing strategic and impactful approaches in working internally and externally with the University. The role will lead strategic planning and governance, including budget and finances management, human resources and recruitment for the Institute, as well as marketing, communication and research administration.

About You
To be successful, you will require:

• A postgraduate level qualification (or working towards) in business management or other relevant discipline with experience OR extensive experience and management knowledge with a combination of relevant experience and training.
• Outstanding leadership and management skills and a demonstrated ability to build effective, high performing teams.
• Demonstrated experience in financial planning and management, ability to provide specialist business development and analysis support to Institute staff to investigate the viability of potential opportunities.
• Proven ability to use initiative and assume responsibility for tasks and projects, highly developed skills in assessing markets opportunities and developing networks and strategic alliances.
• Demonstrated experience delivering positive, innovative solutions to complex strategic and operational issues shown through a successful record of building and developing strategic networks and alliances with a proven capacity to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders and partners.
• Capacity to influence decision making in relation to the University’s direction in the areas of administration, resource management and business planning activities.
• Proven ability to combine a collegial style with decisive, clear thinking, creative solutions and practical implementation strategies.
• Highly effective cross cultural, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills including demonstrated ability to establish strategic alliances with internal, external and international organisations.
• Demonstrated experience to engage, negotiate and consult with Aboriginal communities, their leaders and key stakeholders, while respecting traditional FN governance frameworks and ways of doing business.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the principles of self-determination as it relates to the Aboriginal Community Controlled and First Nations Led health service sector

To view the full position description please click the apply link to be directed to the vacancy on our CDU job site and then click on job attachments.

This position is subject to Charles Darwin University First Nations Priority Recruitment measures, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT) 1992. First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply & will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy.
For information on First Nations Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply, please visit https://www.cdu.edu.au/careers-cdu/first-nations-priority-recruitment

Remuneration
Appointment to this role will be at Professional Employee Level 10. The base salary will be in the range of $128,903 - $143,061 per annum. The total remuneration package will be in the range of $150,816- $167,381 per annum, including 17% superannuation.

What’s in it for you?

• An employer who values your contribution to building a bigger, better and stronger University
• Work with a University committed to changing people’s lives for the better through training, education, and research
• Opportunities for professional development, paid study and career progression
• An enviable lifestyle in the spectacular Northern Territory
• 17% superannuation
• Up to six weeks of paid annual leave
• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave (primary care giver), in addition to government payments (eligibility criteria apply)
• Recognition of prior service with another Australian university / NT Government for Long Service Leave (recognition applied to qualifying period only)
• Ability to negotiate transfer of leave entitlements under the Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989
• Free on-campus parking in designated areas
• Employee Assistance Program
• Salary Packaging opportunities

How to Apply
All applications must be received online via the ‘apply’ button and should include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role as well as relevant skills and experience.

For a confidential discussion about the position please contact Yvette Roe via email [email protected]

Adjustments can be made throughout the application and selection process, as well as during employment to support applicants and employees with disability. CDU’s Workplace Adjustment Policy and Procedure can be found at https://policies.cdu.edu.au/view-current.php?id=191&version=1. If you would like to discuss adjustments, please contact the People Services Team on 08 8946 6284 or email [email protected].

Diversity and Inclusion
At CDU we actively celebrate our diversity. We innovate, embrace new ideas, and act with courage and kindness. We’re about what we can give to the world rather than what we take, and we believe in the transformative power of education. We work hard to make sure every member of our University community feels they truly belong. Understanding that it is through our focus on our people and leveraging our differences that will make CDU the most connected University in Australia, we are striving to ensure that our culture and our community are inclusive of all our staff, students, and visitors. We are committed to maintaining a culture where everyone feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals. Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neuro-diverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed.

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.

Applications Close: Wednesday 17th September 2025