Job Description

About Children's Ground

Children’s Ground is a First Nations organisation. The Children’s Ground Approach is designed and delivered through the leadership of First Nations people. We are committed to systems change to ensure dignity, justice and equity for all children and families. Our work focuses on national reform as well as evidencing a new way of working.

The Children’s Ground Approach is a whole of community, whole of life approach. We privilege First Nations knowledge systems and practice. Over the course of a generation, led by local expertise, we create and deliver an integrated system that is centred on learning, development and wellbeing that responds to the child and their family through the key transition points from pre-birth to young adulthood.

Our approach recognises the cultural, social, and economic strength of our communities. We build on this over a generation to ensure a future for our children and grandchildren that gives them freedom, opportunity and rights to their culture and identity.

Children’s Ground operates in Central Australia and across the Top End, with support provided by a Melbourne-based Shared Services team.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity for a First Nations leader to drive transformative change in education. You will lead the vision set by our Elders to uphold the oldest systems of learning and wellbeing in Australia and progress the outcomes of the MK Turner Report. Working closely with First Nations leaders and national partners, you will champion cultural-centred reform and advocate for a First Nations-led and governed arm of the education system.

Location is flexible either:

Melbourne

Alice Springs or

Darwin

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Children’s Ground systems change work focused on First Nations education.
• Progress recommendations from the MK Turner Report.
• Build national partnerships and manage the MK Turner Alliance.
• Develop policy submissions, briefs, and reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Convene and support Utyerre Apanpe forums and working groups.
• Support efforts to embed First Nations learning systems into Australian curriculum.
• Manage communications, secretariat functions, and stakeholder engagement

About you

Essential:

• You will identify as First Nations or Torres Strait Islander
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Experience using CRM systems (preferably Salesforce).
• Ability to undergo a National Police Check and Working with Children Check.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of First Nations learning systems and practice.
• Experience in education policy, research, leadership, or curriculum development.
• Strong understanding of First Nations culture, history, and lived experience.
• Experience in social change or NGO environments.

Why Join Us?

• Work for a First Nations-led organisation driving systemic change.
• Enjoy generous salary packaging and bonus leave.
• Be part of a team committed to cultural safety, equity, and justice.