Engagement Manager

About this role

Purpose of the Position Working as a member of the Strategy team, the Engagement Manager is responsible for leading place-based engagement with Aboriginal communities, Traditional Owners and Land Councils, and supporting the development of a strong, culturally grounded network of supports for Aboriginal communities and businesses across the Northern Territory. The role ensures that community voices and cultural perspectives are embedded in all activities of Aboriginal Investment NT. It provides strategic advice and coordination to enable effective, self-determined participation by Aboriginal Territorians in economic and community development and decision-making. This role requires strong cultural knowledge, strategic thinking, and collaboration and communication skills. It involves leading community engagement design, planning and execution, and managing a team of Engagement Advisors to effectively deliver key messaging and information to community while maintaining culturally grounded, regionally responsive relationships. It also involves providing advice to the General Manager – Strategy to ensure that Aboriginal Investment NT’s activities remain aligned with and responsive to community feedback · Provide strategic and high-level advice on culturally responsive engagement approaches, ensuring Aboriginal voices and self-determination principles are embedded across Aboriginal Investment NT programs, policies, and activities. · Lead the design and implementation of regionally tailored engagement strategies that foster trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, Traditional Owners, Land Councils, and other key stakeholders. · Support free, prior and informed consultation processes with Aboriginal communities, ensuring community engagement is aligned with self-determination principles. · Lead two-way information sharing between Aboriginal Territorians and Aboriginal Investment NT, ensuring community feedback is respectfully captured, analysed, and translated into actionable insights that inform program design, policy development, and strategic decision-making, while effectively communicating key messaging and information to Aboriginal Territorians. · Shape and guide the organisation’s role in strengthening the network of supports for Aboriginal communities and businesses, including identifying system gaps, coordinating with service providers, promoting culturally appropriate services, and supporting education and development pathways that empower Aboriginal communities and businesses to succeed and thrive. · Coordinate urban, regional and rural community grant and/or investment forums, workshops and information sessions. · Collaborate with internal teams to ensure grants, investments, and other activities are informed by on-the-ground insights and community feedback. · Lead the day-to-day management and direction of Engagement Advisors across Darwin, regional and remote locations, providing clear direction, mentoring, and oversight to ensure consistent, culturally safe engagement practices and alignment with organisational priorities. · Provide cultural leadership across the organisation, supporting staff and executive decision-making with nuanced understanding of Aboriginal community dynamics, priorities, and protocols. · Represent Aboriginal Investment NT in strategic partnerships, working groups, events/forums and networks to influence policy and drive coordinated support for Aboriginal business and community development. · Contribute to continuous improvement by evaluating engagement and support models, capturing lessons learned, and recommending refinements based on evidence and cultural insight.