Hiring: Project & Engagement Coordinator (part Time)

Position Opening: Project and Engagement Coordinator

Closes: 9th August 2026

Flexible location in Southern Australia

Part time (0.5 FTE) to 17 September 2027

Salary: Band 4 + super, prorata 

About the role

The Project and Engagement Coordinator is an operational coordination role within SAALSMA, responsible for supporting the planning, coordination and delivery of programs and projects that advance Aboriginal-led outcomes for land, sea and sky Country across southern Australia. The role contributes to effective program delivery by coordinating activities, maintaining project and engagement documentation, supporting culturally safe engagement, and assisting with reporting to meet organisational and funding requirements.

Working under the general direction of the Chief Executive Officer, and closely with SAALSMA staff, member organisations, partners and stakeholders, the Project and Engagement Coordinator provides practical coordination, engagement and administrative support across key initiatives. The role helps translate priorities into practical work plans, coordinates meetings and communications, assisting with stakeholder engagement activities, supports procurement and contract administration as required, and prepares timely, accurate reports and project materials. The role contributes to continuous improvement and team effectiveness, supporting delivery of initiatives aligned with community priorities, cultural governance and long-term sustainability.

Working closely with partners, the Project and Engagement Coordinator will:

• Support Aboriginal-led programs and projects by coordinating activities that align with community priorities, cultural governance arrangements and culturally safe ways of working.

• Coordinate the planning and delivery of projects and engagement activities, ensuring milestones, logistics, communications and deliverables are effectively managed.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Aboriginal organisations, Knowledge Holders, partners and stakeholders, ensuring respectful communication and collaboration.

• Support effective governance, compliance and reporting by maintaining accurate records, tracking deliverables, and contributing to high-quality reports and briefings.

• Drive coordination and continuous improvement through effective administration, risk monitoring, problem-solving and support for organisational planning and team objectives.

The successful candidate will have:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal peoples and cultures, with a proven ability to communicate respectfully, sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal organisations and knowledge holders

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or substantial professional experience in land and sea management, environmental science, natural resource management, community development or a related field

• Demonstrated experience co-ordinating programs or projects, including supporting culturally safe engagement with Aboriginal organisations, Knowledge holders, government and non-government partners

• Well-developed communication skills (written and verbal), including the ability to prepare culturally appropriate engagement materials, summaries and briefs, and to communicate clearly with diverse audiences

• Strong understanding of program and project governance, including the development and implementation of policies, frameworks, project plans and reporting processes, and the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines and risks with a high degree of autonomy

• Strong organisational skills and understanding of project governance and reporting, including the ability to maintain project plans, registers and documentation, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and escalate risks appropriately

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a small team environment, coordinating tasks and supporting delivery in a culturally safe, respectful and accountable way

Additional factors:

• Remote work, or working from partner offices is an inherent feature of the role. 

• Interstate travel, community visits, attendance at stakeholder meetings, and occasional work outside standard business hours may be required.

• The role requires a current Australian driver licence and willingness to obtain and maintain a National Police Check. 

• You must be eligible to work in Australia (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a valid visa with work rights).

EEO Statement

SAALSMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and individuals of all ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and cultural backgrounds.

See the Position Description attached below for more information about the position nrmjobs.com.au/job/20029596

How to apply:

Submit your CV and a short cover letter that explains your motivation for applying and addresses the key selection criteria (no more than 2 pages) to hr@saalsma.org.au

Applications for this position are due by 11:59pm Sunday 9 August 2026.

For a discussion about the role, please contact Executive Officer Anne Buchan (hr@saalsma.org.au)