About Us

Children’s Ground is working to create an environment where families realise their aspirations for the next generation of children to be free from trauma and suffering, enjoy equity and safety, be able to grow into adulthood happy and healthy, and have agency over their social, cultural, political and economic life.  To learn more about Children’s Ground and the work we do, visit our website.

About the Job

The Community Development Coordinator works closely with a community lead/s—individuals deeply embedded in and knowledgeable about their community. Together, they will drive self-determination, empowering the community to lead its own development and governance. This role embodies Children’s Ground’s commitment to culturally responsive, place-based solutions that foster community ownership, decision-making, and long-term wellbeing.

The Community Development Coordinator will support the development and implementation of community governance, planning, and resourcing while managing relationships with key stakeholders such as schools and local organisations. The role ensures that internal and external programs align with the community’s aspirations and Children’s Ground’s principles of self-determination, cultural integrity, and collective impact.

The role requires self-motivation with the ability to work independently, making sound judgment calls and decisions with minimal supervision. Across all areas of responsibility, it is important to recognise when issues require escalation and take appropriate action to ensure timely resolution.

This position works alongside two other Marlkawo specific non-community positions – the Early Years/Primary Educator and Placemaking and Skills Officer.

The role is physically demanding, requires a degree of hands-on practical skills and a desire to live in the outdoor environment.

About You

You are a highly motivated human who is looking to roll together all your amazing people and organisation skills with your community development knowledge. You have spent time working alongside First Nations people and in communities across the Top End, or within Australia. A 4WD trip into community is one that you would relish as a chance to see our amazing landscapes and more importantly to connect with community and the values of Children’s Ground.

We are seeking an innovative, organised and suitably skilled person to work alongside our governance committee with a focus on community empowerment. Working within a Community Development framework across Children’s Ground platform areas, you bring respect, kindness, and a strength-based approach to work with and respond to community.

You bring a passion for social justice and improving outcomes for First Nations Communities as well as being a self-starter who thinks systematically and thrives in an environment that is ambiguous and complex.

To be successful in this position, you need to be creative and flexible with the ability to engage and empower First Nations communities to identify their strengths and needs and to respond accordingly.

Overview of Essential Selection Criteria

1. Commitment to Self-Determination & Cultural Integrity

• Deep understanding and respect for First Nations cultures and knowledge systems, and experience working in culturally diverse settings, with a strong focus on supporting local leadership.
• Experience working with First Nations communities in Northern Territory, or other remote locations in Australia.

2. Community Development & Governance Experience

• Tertiary or Diploma qualification in Community Services, Community Development, Education, Health Promotion, or related field.
• Experience facilitating community-led governance, planning, and development, with a strong focus on empowerment and local ownership.
• Strong understanding of place-based models and participatory planning.
• Proven ability to support and mentor community members in leadership roles, fostering skills in governance, project management, and resource planning.

3. Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including community members, local organisations, and government agencies.
• A demonstrated ability to facilitate collective action and partnerships that amplify community voices and strengthen local capacity.

4. Operations and Administration

• Experience in NGOs or Community Development Organisations.
• Hands-on practical skills and a desire to live in the outdoor environment.
• Demonstrated project management, administrative and time management skills.

5. A current Working with Children Clearance Notice (Ochre Card) or ability to obtain. And a willingness to undergo a National Police Check.

6. Drivers licence with manual driving experience, and preferably 4WD experience.

How to Apply

We invite you to walk with us on this unique journey…

Please apply via SEEK upload your current resume and 2-page pitch. Your pitch should tell us more about who you are, what you are passionate about, what interests you about the role and why you may be a good fit for Children’s Ground and this position

Applications will remain open until the position has been filled.

In line with our workforce development strategy, Children’s Ground strongly encourages and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.