Regional Manager

  • Eastern Australia location (NSW, ACT, VIC, QLD)

  • Full-time

  • Remuneration: Based on the SCHADS Level 7

As a First Nations organisation, Community First Development aims to be an employer of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We welcome applications from individuals of diverse genders, cultures, and backgrounds to apply. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Community First Development is a First Nations led community development and research organisation that creates positive change in and with First Nations communities. We undertake social and economic development, and research projects in partnership with First Nations communities, businesses and people. Communities have control; they name the priorities and choose the design, assets, capabilities and approach to achieve their vision. We provide tailored support through community partners, skilled staff, trained volunteers, supporters and service providers.

Reporting to the General Manager Community Development Community First Development is seeking to appoint a Regional Manager, Eastern Australia. 

This role will oversee a range of programs and projects while ensuring meaningful engagement with First Nations’ communities and other stakeholders. This role is also accountable for delivering measurable and impactful outcomes through strong monitoring of strategic and operational plans, ensuring alignment with project objectives and organisational priorities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the development and delivery of strategic and operational plans for the region, aligned with Community First Development’s strategic goals and budget.

  • Facilitate access to resources and expertise to support impactful, community-led outcomes with First Nations communities.

  • Ensure all initiatives reflect Community First Development’s values, methodology, and invitation-based, community-owned approach.

  • Uphold cultural integrity and ensure all activities are culturally appropriate and strengthen our practice.

  • Provide leadership, mentoring, and support to regional staff to achieve organisational objectives.

  • Contribute to international collaboration initiatives as required.

  • Ensure compliance with policies, WHS standards, and drive continuous improvement.

SELECTION CRITERIA

  • Ability to lead and bring together culturally and socially diverse teams of people effectively and compassionately, in order to produce real and sustainable outcomes.

  • Ability to work respectfully, effectively and collaboratively with First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous people, understanding cultural protocols and expectations.

  • Demonstrates initiative, flexibility and robust analytical and strategic skills to address challenges and opportunities and deliver innovative, high-quality outcomes.

  • Demonstrates strong project management, organisational and time management skills, with some experience in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

  • Proficient in the use of databases and Microsoft products, in particular SharePoint, Word, Excel, Teams, and at least an understanding of capabilities of other products, including; Power BI, Power Automate, Forms and Flow or the enthusiasm to learn, utilise, integrate and teach.  Ability to manage resources effectively and ethically in challenging and culturally diverse settings to produce high-quality, innovative outcomes.

  • Emotional intelligence demonstrated by strong communication, negotiation and conflict-resolution skills and a capacity to forge and maintain productive relations with a diverse range of people with different interests.

BENEFITS

  • Working with a First Nations’ led organisation

  • Access to Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) Salary Packaging options, to reduce your taxable salary

  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program

ELEGIBILITY

The successful candidate must hold Australian Working Rights and will be required to undertake pre-employment checks including a national police check, hold or obtain a working with vulnerable people card (or similar for your jurisdiction) and be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be sent to Rtomkinson@communityfirstdevelopment.org.au by 5pm the 19th September 2025 and include:

- A cover letter addressing the selection criteria (No more than 2 pages)

- Resume/CV

More information regarding Community First Development can be found on our website https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/

To discuss the position please contact Renee Tomkinson at Rtomkinson@communityfirstdevelopment.org.au or call on 0448 034 534

Please note screening and interviewing for this role will commence immediately. The position may be filled before the end date so if you are intending to apply, please do so asap.