Job Openings Tourism Project Manager

About the job Tourism Project Manager

Acknowledgement of Country

The Yolŋu traditional landowners of East Arnhem practice one of the oldest living cultures in the world and have been living in this region for more than 60,000 years. The entirety of East Arnhem Land is Aboriginal land granted under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976, an important acknowledgement of the continuing ownership of, and connection to country.

About DEAL, Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation and the East Arnhem region

Developing East Arnhem Limited (DEAL) is an independent not-for-profit organisation established to facilitate investment and economic development opportunities in East Arnhem between Yolŋu Traditional Owners, local organisations and businesses, governments, and investors. Situated in Nhulunbuy, DEAL works across the East Arnhem region and is uniquely positioned to drive development and investment opportunities to smooth the transition to a diversified economy that grows and strengthens local jobs and communities.

Founded in 1984, the Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation (RAC) represents the Rirratjingu people, the Indigenous Traditional Owners of Land on the Gove Peninsula. The RACs aim is to ensure the Rirratjingu community is financially self-sufficient and able to deliver benefits to our members and make a genuine difference in our community.

East Arnhem is transitioning from dependence on the long-term Rio Tinto operations on the Gove Peninsula, due to end by the end of the decade. This transition will leave a unique infrastructure and economic legacy for East Arnhem that is capable of being leveraged to develop a thriving and sustainable regional economy which creates local jobs for future generations.

Position Purpose

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer of Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation, the Tourism Project Officer will play an important role in developing and implementing tourism initiatives that create sustainable employment and business opportunities for the Yolŋu community, working in close collaboration with Yolŋu Traditional Owners. This role offers a unique opportunity to support the development of an authentic, culturally rich local tourism industry.

In collaboration with local stakeholders, government agencies, and tourism operators, this role will support the planning, promotion and capacity building efforts necessary to establish a sustainable tourism industry that aligns with Yolŋu values, traditions and aspirations.

Key Relationships

Key relationships that this position will need to establish, maintain and nurture:

  • Internal Stakeholders
  • Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation (RAC) Executive Team
  • CEO, Developing East Arnhem Limited (DEAL)
  • Tourism Development Manager, DEAL
  • RAC and DEAL board members
  • RAC Members
  • RAC Community and Culture Team
  • Tourism Development Officer, DEAL
  • RAC and DEAL staff members
  • External Stakeholders
  • Yolŋu Traditional Owners
  • Local tourism operators
  • Tourism NT
  • Tourism Top End
  • Local business support providers
  • Northern Land Council
  • Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation
  • Nhulunbuy Corporation
  • East Arnhem Regional Council
  • NT and Federal Government Agencies
  • Other tourism industry representatives

Key Responsibilities

1. Tourism Development

  • Identify and progress priority tourism opportunities that align with Yolŋu cultural values and economic development goals, ensuring delivery of the key tourism-related Actions outlined in the RAC 2025-2030 Strategic Action Plan, in collaboration with the RAC team.
  • Work closely with local Yolŋu communities to ensure their participation, leadership, and ownership in tourism ventures.
  • Together with the Tourism Development Manager, attend key stakeholder meetings to support sustainable development of the local tourism industry and the delivery of strategic tourism projects in East Arnhem Land.
  • Assist the Tourism Development Manager in the delivery of key actions identified in the East Arnhem Land Destination Management Plan.
  • Provide guidance and support to Traditional Owners, local businesses and entrepreneurs, including access to resources, funding opportunities and capacity building programs.
  • Assist in securing funding, grants, and investment to support strategic tourism development initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with regional, state, and national tourism networks to promote tourism development in the region.
  • Proactively keep up to date with tourism insights, travel trends, opportunities and challenges that may impact on the East Arnhem tourism industry.

2. Project Facilitation

  • Manage end-to-end process of tourism project development and facilitation, from initial concept to implementation.
  • Undertake stakeholder and project management to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with relevant regulations.
  • Monitor project performance, track key milestones, and mitigate risks to achieve successful outcomes that maximise community benefits.

3. Community Engagement and Empowerment

  • Foster meaningful engagement with Yolŋu communities in East Arnhem Land, ensuring tourism activities are conducted in a culturally appropriate and sustainable manner.
  • Engage with Traditional Owners, elders, and community members to ensure cultural integrity in tourism offerings.
  • Facilitate capacity building workshops, training programs and networking events to empower community members and enhance their knowledge and participation in tourism.
  • Assist in the creation of visitor experiences that showcase Yolŋu culture, land, and traditions in an authentic and respectful way.

4. Cultural Competency and Respect

  • Demonstrate a deep respect for the cultural heritage, traditions, and knowledge systems of the local Indigenous communities.
  • Uphold ethical principles and values of reconciliation, reciprocity, and mutual respect in all aspects of work within Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation and broader community.

5. Governance and Leadership

  • Create a culture of collaboration across both organisations and multiple business functions to ensure consistency across all touchpoints in the customer experience.
  • Build strong relationships, drive and inspire a culture of engagement and alignment to organisational goals.
  • Provide regular reports to the COO and DEAL on progress, challenges, and outcomes.

6. Workplace Health & Safety

  • Exercise a duty of care to ensure actions dont negatively impact the health and/or safety of others or self in the workplace.
  • Ensure that anything provided for health and safety is not willfully or recklessly interfered with or misused.
  • Ensure compliance with any of the companys WHS policies, procedures and any reasonable instruction given by the company.
  • Ensure that any hazards, incidents, accidents, or near-hits are reported to your supervisor.
  • Use machinery and equipment (including personal protective equipment-PPE) only in accordance with the procedures and training provided to you.

Knowledge and Experience

Education, Qualifications & Licenses

  • Relevant professional experience and/or tertiary qualifications in Tourism, Business Development, Community Development or a related field that enhances your ability to support Tourism Development
  • Current Australian drivers license
  • National Police Check
  • Working with Children Ochre card, or ability to obtain
  • First Aid Certification, or willingness to obtain
  • Working Rights in Australia

Skills, Experience & Attributes

Essential:

  • Demonstrated experience in tourism development and/or business support, preferably in remote or Indigenous communities.
  • Strong project management skills, with the ability to plan, implement, and evaluate tourism initiatives.
  • Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills, with experience collaborating with government agencies, tourism bodies, and business partners.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to develop reports, funding applications, and promotional materials.
  • High level of initiative and problem-solving skills, work independently and as part of a team.
  • Self-motivated individual with high personal integrity.
  • Adaptability and resilience to work in a remote and cross-cultural environment.
  • Ability to support and mentor Yolŋu businesses and individuals to develop their skills and capacity in the tourism industry.
  • Flexible, adaptable and a willing contributor to collective team goals.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including OneDrive and SharePoint systems.
  • Comfortable living and working in a remote town on Aboriginal land.

Desirable:

  • Experience working with Aboriginal communities, with a deep understanding of Yolŋu culture, values, and governance structures.
  • Understanding of regional tourism planning, cultural protocols, and environmental sustainability principles.
  • Experience in grant writing and securing funding for tourism projects.
  • Knowledge of the East Arnhem Land tourism landscape and industry trends.
  • Ability to speak or willingness to learn Yolŋu Matha.

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