Chief Operating Officer

Location: Shepparton, Victoria. Flexible working arrangements may be considered, with a commitment to working a minimum of four days per week in Shepparton.

Lead with purpose. Strengthen regional partnerships. Help shape a future of shared prosperity for First Nations communities across the Goulburn Murray region.

Kaiela Institute is a First Nations think tank on Yorta Yorta Country in the Goulburn Murray. Widely recognised for its leadership in First Nations policy, advocacy, programs and community-led initiatives, the Institute works to create lasting economic, social and cultural change across the region.

We are seeking an accomplished Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our leadership team and play a pivotal role in translating an ambitious regional agenda into action. Working closely with the Executive Chair, this is a highly influential leadership position with responsibility spanning organisational operations, governance, strategic initiatives, partnerships, project delivery and stakeholder engagement.

The opportunity

This is more than an operational leadership role. You will help drive the implementation of significant initiatives designed to strengthen First Nations empowerment and regional prosperity, including the Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity and Productivity Plan (GMRPPP) and other major Kaiela Institute priorities. You will bring together strategy and execution — creating the structures, relationships, systems and momentum required to turn ambitious ideas into meaningful outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the Executive Chair in advancing Kaiela Institute's regional development agenda and strategic priorities
• Providing strong organisational leadership and overseeing effective day-to-day operations
• Leading and coordinating significant projects and initiatives, ensuring clear planning, accountability and delivery
• Supporting governance structures, Board processes, reporting and organisational decision-making
• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with First Nations organisations and leaders, government, industry, partners and the broader community
• Supporting implementation of the Goulburn Murray Regional Prosperity and Productivity Plan
• Overseeing organisational planning, budgets, financial management, compliance and risk
• Identifying and progressing funding, grant and partnership opportunities
• Developing high-quality submissions, funding proposals, reports and strategic communications
• Supporting the development of the Algabonyah Research and Impact Centre
• Leading, mentoring and supporting staff, contractors and partners while fostering a productive, respectful and collaborative culture
• Helping strengthen Kaiela Institute's reputation, influence and impact across the region and beyond.

About you

You will be a strategic and highly capable leader who is equally comfortable working at an executive level and ensuring that the detail required for successful delivery is in place. You will bring strong judgement, an ability to navigate complexity and the interpersonal capability to build trust across community, government, industry and organisational environments.

Ideally, you will demonstrate:

• Strong strategic, analytical and critical-thinking capability
• Significant experience leading and delivering complex projects or organisational initiatives
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-level communications and materials for senior stakeholders
• Strong financial management capability, including budgeting, planning, resource allocation and reporting
• Demonstrated leadership and people-management capability
• A strong track record of stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• The ability to understand complex policy environments, distil key issues and build consensus
• Experience developing submissions, funding proposals and high-quality reports
• Strong organisational capability and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities
• A collaborative, inclusive and adaptable leadership style
• Self-awareness, humility and respect for Yorta Yorta and First Nations cultural protocols.

Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent professional experience in areas such as law, commerce, economics, political science or a related discipline will be highly regarded. Experience working with First Nations communities and senior leaders, particularly in social or economic reform initiatives, will also be highly regarded.

This is an opportunity to contribute to work with genuine regional significance. You will work alongside First Nations leaders, community, government, industry and other partners to help progress initiatives designed to create stronger communities, greater economic participation and shared prosperity across the Goulburn Murray.

For the right person, this role offers the opportunity to combine executive leadership, strategy, community impact and regional development in an organisation with an ambitious vision for the future.

Remuneration: A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful applicant. As a Public Benevolent Institution, Kaiela Institute may also offer access to attractive FBT/salary packaging arrangements. A current Victorian driver's licence and Working with Children Check are required.

Ready to make an impact? We welcome applications from experienced leaders who share our commitment to First Nations self-determination, community-led development and a stronger future for the Goulburn Murray region. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.