Cape York Land Council (CYLC) is the Native Title Representative Body for the Cape York region. Through consultation, engagement, advocacy and leadership, CYLC supports Cape York Traditional Owners to assert, establish and manage their rights and interests in land and sea.

We are seeking a Community Engagement Officer to support culturally appropriate engagement with Traditional Owners across Cape York, working closely with CYLC’s legal and anthropological teams.

About the role

Reporting to the Manager, Community Relations, this role plays a key part in building and maintaining respectful working relationships with Traditional Owners as native title matters progress.

While the position is based in Cairns, it involves regular travel to remote Cape York communities. Travel may include extended periods away from home and travel by 4WD vehicle, light aircraft or scheduled flights.

Key responsibilities

• Support and co-facilitate community meetings and consultation processes with Traditional Owners

• Work collaboratively with lawyers, anthropologists and other staff to ensure culturally appropriate engagement

• Assist with consultations, evidence gathering and decision-making processes related to native title claims

• Represent CYLC at meetings, conferences and community forums

• Liaise with internal business units, government agencies, local authorities and community organisations

• Assist in increasing community awareness of native title issues

• Undertake general administrative and reporting tasks related to engagement activities

• Comply with CYLC policies, procedures and confidentiality requirements

About you

This is an identified position. Applicants must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island descent. Experience working in Cape York communities is highly desirable. You are a strong communicator who can build trust and work respectfully with a wide range of stakeholders, particularly in cross-cultural and remote settings.

You will have:

• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, particularly in remote communities

• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills

• Proven ability to build productive working relationships

• Sound computer literacy, including Word, Excel and Outlook

• A current Queensland Driver’s Licence

• Willingness and capacity to travel regularly to remote Cape York communities

You will be:

• Reliable, punctual and professional.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.

• Commitment to confidentiality, integrity and respectful engagement.

• Cultural awareness and understanding of the social & political issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Cape York.

• Adaptable and willing to work in remote community settings.

Why work with CYLC

• Purpose-driven work supporting land rights and community outcomes

• Collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment

• Opportunity to gain experience working across diverse Cape York communities

• Role diversity combining community engagement, stakeholder liaison and field-based work

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. So apply today!

Please phone 07 •••• •307 for a confidential discussion about the role, or, if you are interested in applying, please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the selection criteria above. Please note that your personal information will be treated in accordance with our Privacy Policy.