Join Us at Marthakal: Where Purpose Meets Country

Step into a role where your work truly matters. At Marthakal Homelands Resource Centre, you’re not just taking a job — you’re becoming part of a movement. Grounded in the heart of Yolŋu Country on Elcho Island and extending across a vast network of Homelands and protected coastal areas, Marthakal is a dynamic Aboriginal organisation driven by culture, community, and connection to Country. Through our Marthakal Master Planning Strategy, we’re building strong futures — from economic development and housing to health, rangers, tourism, and more — and we’re looking for passionate people to walk alongside Yolŋu leaders in bringing this vision to life.

Working here means:

Contributing to real change across housing, health, enterprise, and environmental stewardship.

Collaborating with Yolŋu leaders in a Both-Ways approach that values culture as central to everything we do.

Living and working in one of Australia’s most unique and culturally rich locations — surrounded by community, ceremony, sea Country, and purpose.

If you’re ready to bring your skills, your heart, and your curiosity to a place where your work becomes part of something much bigger — we want to hear from you.

Position Purpose

The Enterprise Project Officer plays a central role in supporting and growing Yolŋu-led enterprises across the Marthakal region, including oversight of the Marthakal Motel, coordination with other enterprise arms (such as Marthakal Yolŋu Airlines, Elcho Island Arts, and cultural tourism), and working directly with Homeland residents to explore and activate economic development opportunities.

This position helps bring the Marthakal Master Planning Strategy to life by building community capacity, mentoring Yolŋu staff, supporting the creation of local income streams, and promoting economic empowerment across Homelands. The role fosters cross-enterprise collaboration and ensures that economic activities align with cultural protocols, local governance, and long-term sustainability goals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Enterprise Management and Support

Oversee and support the day-to-day operations of the Marthakal Motel, including staffing, bookings, reporting, and quality standards.

Work alongside enterprise units (e.g. Marthakal Yolŋu Airlines, Arts Centre, Tourism Projects) to share skills, systems, and ideas for sustainable business.

Support budgeting, procurement, and stock control for the motel and small enterprise projects in collaboration with the Procurement and Logistics Specialist.

2. Community Economic Development

Work with Homelands residents, Traditional Owners, and the Community & Economic Development Manager to identify, support, and grow local enterprise ideas, ultimately leading to successful enterprises.

Help residents explore projects in areas such as cultural tourism, agriculture, fisheries, guided experiences, transport, art sales, and land-based businesses.

Provide coaching and support to Yolŋu entrepreneurs to build confidence, build basic business skills, and income-generation strategies.

Support the development of business and operational plans to support business development and implementation.

3. Workforce Development and Mentoring

Mentor and support Yolŋu enterprise staff and trainees, including those working in the Motel, Art Centre, tourism initiatives, and other small ventures.

Coordinate rosters, training, and development plans for Yolŋu employees and ensure supportive supervision and feedback loops.

4. Collaboration and Cross-Program Support

Liaise with the Senior Base Pilot and other managers to ensure operational and tourism-related enterprise services are delivered effectively.

Collaborate with the Arts and Tourism Project Officer to align tourism and arts initiatives with enterprise activities.

Ensure smooth coordination with the Procurement and Logistics Specialist for enterprise purchasing and resource management.

5. Administration, Reporting, and Planning

Maintain accurate records for enterprise activities, including bookings, staff hours, maintenance issues, and financial performance.

Contribute to reporting requirements for grants, funding, or Board updates.

Initiate, plan and participate in business planning and strategic development sessions to grow the Marthakal enterprise portfolio.

6. Other Duties as Directed

· Under general direction undertake a variety of tasks of a specialised and / or detailed nature which may include backfilling for other staff in other Departments

Skills and Experience – Essential

Demonstrated experience in enterprise, small business operations, or project management (e.g. hospitality, tourism, retail, or service-based industry).

Strong organisational and interpersonal skills with a practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving.

Proven ability to work cross-culturally and mentor staff from diverse backgrounds, particularly Yolŋu.

Experience with basic financial systems, stock control, and reporting tools.

Skills and Experience – Desirable

Experience in remote or Indigenous community enterprise development.

Familiarity with motel/hospitality management systems.

Previous work in economic development, tourism, or Indigenous employment programs.

Marketing, communications, or online sales experience.

Qualifications

Degree or Diploma in Business, Hospitality, Tourism, or Community Development (or equivalent demonstrated work experience).

NT Ochre Card (Working with Children) and Police Check (or ability to obtain).

Driver’s Licence (manual and 4WD experience preferred).

First Aid Certificate (or willingness to undertake training).

Personal Attributes

Respectful and culturally grounded approach to working with Yolŋu communities.

Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a “can-do” attitude.

Committed to building local capacity and sustainable community businesses.

Comfortable working in a dynamic, multitasking environment with shifting priorities.

Strategic Alignment

Delivers on the Marthakal Master Planning Strategy’s vision of Yolŋu economic empowerment and participatory enterprise development.

Contributes to increased Yolŋu employment, skills development, and local income streams across Homelands.

Supports cultural and tourism-based enterprise models that align with Yolŋu identity, land ownership, and community goals.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Strategic Area

KPI

Enterprise Operations

Motel achieves minimum 80% occupancy in peak periods and maintains 90% customer satisfaction

Yolŋu Workforce

Minimum of 4 Yolŋu staff or trainees engaged across enterprise operations annually

Community Engagement

At least 3 new Homeland-based enterprise ideas, Business Casses or pilot projects supported annually

Collaboration

Active monthly collaborations with at least 3 other enterprise programs (Airline, Arts, Tourism, etc.)

Reporting and Admin

Monthly reports on financials, operations, and staffing submitted on time and complete

Personal Attributes and Skills

· High Level of Discretion and Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality.

· Strong Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds, including staff, board members, and external partners.

· Independent Work Ethic: Capable of working independently with minimal supervision, taking initiative to complete tasks and projects.

· Resilience and Adaptability: Able to handle a high-pressure environment and adapt to changing circumstances and challenges.

· Cultural Sensitivity: Strong understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, customs, and practices.

· Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically and provide solutions in complex situations.

Special conditions of employment

· Must be an Australian citizen or have unlimited work rights in Australia.

· Must satisfy a criminal history check.

· Must hold or be able to obtain an Ochre Card.

· Six-month probationary period.

· Referees (at least two) are required.

· Ability to gain/maintain a current NT Drivers Licence