About Us

The Palm Island Community Economic Development Foundation Ltd (PICEDF) 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, PICEDF 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.

About the Position

PICEDF is currently seeking a RAES Program Manager to join the team.

The RAES Program Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management and delivery of the Remote Australia Employment Service (RAES) program. The position ensures high-quality, culturally responsive employment services that meet contractual, legislative and funding requirements, while achieving strong employment, training and participation outcomes for community members.

The role provides strategic and operational leadership to RAES staff, oversees performance and compliance, manages program resources and budgets, and maintains strong relationships with NIAA, community stakeholders, employers and partner organisations.

Responsibilities and duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and oversee the delivery of the RAES program across all service locations, ensuring compliance with NIAA funding agreements, program guidelines and case management frameworks.

• Contribute to organisational planning, service development and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Develop, implement and monitor Community Project Plans and other program initiatives aligned to local priorities.

• In consultation with the General Manager, develop, monitor and manage RAES budgets and program expenditure.

• Prepare and submit accurate, timely and outcome-focused reports to the General Manager -Foundation Establishment, Board and NIAA as required.

• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, employers, service providers and government stakeholders.

• Maintain high-quality program records and documentary evidence in accordance with RAES compliance standards.

• Achieve employment and training outcome targets, effectively contributing to the overall performance goals of the program and the organisation.

• Operationalise NIAA Case Management guidelines to achieve meaningful outcomes for participants and exceed program KPIs.

This is a full-time permanent position, working 38 hours per week. This position is based on Palm Island.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• A relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. Community Development, Business, Management or related discipline), or equivalent demonstrated experience.

• Demonstrated experience managing and delivering employment, training or community service programs within contractual and funding frameworks.

• Proven leadership experience, including managing multidisciplinary teams and staff performance.

• Strong understanding of, or ability to quickly develop understanding of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, particularly in remote community contexts.

• High-level communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.

• Demonstrated capability in program reporting, compliance and performance monitoring.

• Current National Police Check and Working with Children Blue Card (or ability to obtain).

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

Success Looks Like

Success is achieved when the Foundation:

• RAES contractual and funding obligations are met, with strong compliance, audit outcomes and effective use of program funding.

• Employment, training and participation outcomes improve and are aligned with local community priorities.