General Manager

About the Organisation

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services (NATSILS) is the national peak body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services across Australia. It provides leadership on justice system reform, policy and advocacy, and supports sector-wide collaboration to improve justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. As the recognised national peak body, NATSILS works closely with the Commonwealth Government, the Coalition of Peaks and justice sector stakeholders. The organisation does not deliver services; its role is to strengthen, represent and coordinate ATSILS nationally, including through the Justice Policy Partnership under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Currently auspiced by Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW / ACT), NATSILS is entering a period of growth and transition, with increased funding, an expanding team and plans to move toward incorporation as a standalone entity.

Benefits and culture

• Executive-level role with autonomy and influence
• Supportive, values-led and culturally grounded environment
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and professional development opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements and location, national impact and sector engagement

About the role

Reporting to the Chair of NATSILS, you will provide executive leadership for the organisation and work closely with the Chair and the board to deliver strategy, policy, advocacy and operational excellence. This is a senior, hands‑on leadership role suited to an experienced executive who can take full accountability for a small but nationally significant organisation, leading and managing the team, operations, finances, governance and risk.

You will also :

• Guide, drive and implement the strategic plan
• Manage funding and partnership agreements including compliance and reporting
• Manage staff performance, capability and cultural governance
• Build and nurture relationships across ATSILS, government, partners and stakeholders
• Lead the coordination of national member networks and forums and represent NATSILS publicly
• Champion social justice for mob, support national policy development, and oversee advocacy and law reform work

Skills and experience required

This role requires an executive leader who is an Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander person, with strong cultural authority, sound judgment and the ability to operate confidently in complex national and justice‑sector environments. With experience in policy, advocacy or law reform, you bring deep understanding of the systemic social and legal issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and justice systems nationally. You have proven ability to lead and support a small, high performing team and manage projects, budgets, and operational functions with strong cultural governance.

You also bring :

• Experience managing government funding, compliance and reporting
• Strong relationship, partnership, sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills

Capability to present, advocate and engage publicly on justice related topics

• Willingness to travel nationally as required

This is an Aboriginal / Torres Strait Islander identified position which is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti‑Discrimination Act 1977.

If you’re committed to achieving justice and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and want to lead a national peak body at a pivotal moment in its development and impact, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining how your experience aligns with the role, quoting ref #1 409150 to cv@ngorecruitment.com.

For further information, to receive an information pack or a confidential discussion, contact Kelly Gentle at NGO Recruitment on (02) 8243 0570.

Please note there is no formal closing date for this role, if you are interested, we would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

NGO Recruitment values equitable recruitment practices and is committed to representing candidates reflective of the diverse organisations and communities we work with. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ages, and identities, and are happy to adjust our recruitment process to support accessibility needs. If you are interested in this position and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply.

The National Indigenous Times acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation. We recognise Aboriginal Community’s continuing connection to their lands, waters and stories and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.

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