About Us

The Palm Island Community Economic Development Foundation Ltd (the Foundation) is a 100% community-owned and community-led organisation, established to drive economic growth, business development, and local employment on Palm Island. Grounded in the cultural values of the Bwgcolman and Manbarra Peoples, the Foundation serves as the lead organisation for economic development across the island.

The Foundation’s initial flagship initiative is the Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES), commencing in November 2025, delivered with the support of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). Future programs will span entrepreneurship, small business, tourism, housing, and youth development.

Role Purpose

The General Manager is appointed on a time‑limited, establishment basis to stand up the Palm Island Community Economic Development Foundation as a credible, culturally grounded, government‑ready entity capable of:

• receiving, managing and growing external funding;

• generating foundational revenues in perpetuity; and

• establishing the strategic, governance and operational foundations for a robust local business economy, including the framework for the development and operation of business and corporate assets.

 As part of this establishment phase, the General Manager will be responsible for the governance oversight and strategic management of the Remote Australia Employment Scheme (RAES) as the Foundation’s first operating business enterprise, ensuring it is positioned as a sustainable, compliant and scalable economic asset of the Foundation.

 The role exists to design, establish and stabilise the Foundation so that it can operate independently, sustainably and with confidence from government, funders, community and partners, and transition to permanent executive leadership once establishment objectives are met.

 This is not a business‑as‑usual role. It is an intentionally finite formation role with clearly defined deliverables and exit conditions.

 Term and Nature of Appointment

• The role is appointed on a fixed‑term contract focused exclusively on the Foundation’s establishment phase.

• The initial twelve (12) months of the role are dedicated to:

  • securing and structuring external funding;

  • establishing financial, governance and reporting systems;

  • embedding controls sufficient to support operational independence; and

  • formalising the Foundation’s first business enterprise (RAES).

• Once the Foundation is demonstrably funding‑secure, governance‑mature and operationally self‑sufficient, a separate recruitment process will be undertaken for the permanent General Manager role. There should be no expectation of ongoing employment past this phase.

About the Role

This is a unique executive leadership opportunity to establish and lead the Foundation as a strong, sustainable and culturally grounded organisation. The role is responsible for driving strategic growth, financial sustainability, governance excellence and economic development outcomes while ensuring community aspirations and cultural integrity remain at the centre of all activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the establishment of the Foundation as a legally, financially and operationally robust entity.

• Develop governance, compliance, risk and reporting frameworks that meet public funding and asset management requirements.

• Secure and diversify funding streams across government, philanthropic and commercial sectors to support long-term sustainability.

• Drive economic development initiatives and asset strategies that generate employment, business growth and intergenerational benefits.

• Provide executive oversight of RAES, ensuring strong governance, performance accountability and strategic growth.

• Build and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, funding bodies, strategic partners and key stakeholders.

• Represent the Foundation as a credible, trusted and culturally grounded organisation at local, state and national levels.

• Embed cultural integrity, community legitimacy and self-determination principles across all Foundation activities and enterprises.

• Deliver transparent reporting to the Board and maintain strong organisational controls, accountability and risk management practices.

• Foster trust and confidence with community, stakeholders and partners through effective leadership and engagement.

What This Role Is Not

• It is not an indefinite executive appointment.

• It is not a Council management position.

• It is not responsible for day‑to‑day delivery of RAES or other enterprises.

About You

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications in business or commerce or other related discipline deemed appropriate by the Board along with experience in a senior leadership position within an Indigenous, community, government, or not-for-profit setting.

• Proven experience in economic development, business development, enterprise growth or investment attraction.

• Strong commercial and financial management capability, including governance, compliance and risk oversight.

• Demonstrated success securing and managing government and/or private funding.

• High-level stakeholder engagement, negotiation and advocacy skills.

• Deep cultural competence and commitment to Indigenous self-determination.

• Exceptional communication, integrity and values-based leadership.

• Current Queensland “C” Class Driver’s Licence (or ability to obtain).

Desirable

• Experience delivering RAES, CDP, RJED or similar employment programs.

• Experience in remote or regional economic development contexts.

• Experience leading business incubation or community enterprise portfolios

Success Looks Like

Success is achieved when the Foundation:

• is financially sustainable and funding‑credible;

• operates its enterprises (including RAES) through appropriate management structures;

• is governance‑mature and operationally independent; and

• is ready to transition confidently to permanent executive leadership.

If this position sounds like your next opportunity, please Apply Now!