SENIOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (Identified Role)

 
 
 

  • Alice Springs location

  • Full-time

  • Remuneration: Based on the SCHADS Level 4

The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth), and s 27 of the Discrimination Act 1991 (ACT). The position is therefore only open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants.

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 Regional Manager, the Senior Community Development Officer (SCDO) engages with First Nations’ communities, organisations, and businesses in their region to design and support projects aligned to the community’s long-term goals. The SCDO plays a key role in fostering strong relationships and delivering projects that respond to community priorities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Engage with First Nations communities, organisations, and volunteers to identify, design, implement, and manage community development projects.

  • Build and maintain effective relationships with community groups, organisations, and volunteers.

  • Ensure project activities align with the values and objectives of Community First Development.

  • Undertake detailed monitoring, recording, and evaluation of all projects in collaboration with communities and volunteers.

  • Contribute to continuous improvement in the organisation’s community development practices.

  • Support the recruitment, induction, and screening of volunteers for projects.

  • Assist with the broader organisational needs including communications, research, and supporter engagement.

SELECTION CRITERIA

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

  • Strong project management, organisational and time management skills.

  • Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, prepare clear and persuasive reports, and effectively facilitate meetings and presentations.

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

  • Building strong collaborative relationships with volunteers and stakeholder groups to deliver project objectives.

  • Experience and skill in monitoring and evaluation, the ability to reflect and learn from work and apply those learnings.

  • Demonstrated information technology and database management skills.

  • Ability to travel in regional and remote Australia.

  • Current Australian Driver's license

  • Applicants must be vaccinated for COVID-19.

    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

  • Free Parking

  • Paid Christmas shutdown period

  • Opportunities for cross-team collaboration and travel

  • Flexible working arrangements

  • Cultural leave entitlements

ELIGIBILITY 

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 cfdrecruitment@employmentinnovations.com by 5pm the 10th October 2025 and include:

  • Cover letter addressing the selection criteria (No more than 2 pages)

  • Resume/CV

Please see the position description here.

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

To discuss the position please contact Tania Liddle at TLiddle@communityfirstdevelopment.org.au or call on 0448 142 629

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.