Grants and Contracts Manager - Safe on Country Fund

About the role

Desert Knowledge Australia (DKA) is administering the Australian Government's Safe on Country Fund in Central Australia, a flexible funding model operating to 30 June 2028 that on-funds community-led projects to reduce family and domestic violence and strengthen families. The Grants and Contracts Manager leads the strategic leadership, governance and operational management of the program and its on-funding pool of about $8.36 million, advising the Program Manager, CEO, Community Panel and Board on funding decisions, performance, risk and compliance. The position is full-time, fixed term to 30 June 2028, based at the Desert Knowledge Precinct in Mparntwe/Alice Springs with occasional travel to remote communities.

Key responsibilities

• Manage the grants lifecycle from application intake to acquittal and project closure, including eligibility, due diligence and risk assessment.
• Draft, negotiate and manage grant agreements, variations and extensions, and monitor funded projects through milestones, site visits and performance assessments.
• Oversee the on-funding allocation of more than $8 million, monitor commitments, expenditure and cash flow, process payments accurately and support external audits.
• Develop grants governance frameworks, policies and procedures, and ensure compliance with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Guidelines.
• Maintain a program risk register, manage fraud prevention, conflicts of interest and probity controls, and investigate non-compliance or misuse of funds.
• Prepare Board papers, executive briefs and funding recommendations, and present reports to the Community Panel and governance meetings.
• Lead continuous improvement of the grants management system and application portal, and coordinate administrative staff, consultants and contractors.
• Build relationships with Aboriginal organisations, community groups, government agencies and service providers, and support applicants and grant recipients.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualification in business, finance, accounting, governance, public administration, law, project management, community services or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of qualifications, skills and extensive experience.
• Experience managing complex grants, contracts or funding programs, significant budgets and financial reporting, and advising senior management and boards.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management and audit requirements, and knowledge of Commonwealth grant administration.
• Ability to work respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal organisations and remote communities.
• Current C class driver's licence and willingness to travel to remote communities, including overnight stays and unsealed roads in a 4WD.

Required skills

• Experience using grants management systems, databases or CRM platforms.
• Analytical, written communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Applications close on 31 August 2026 and include a resume and a two-page cover letter addressing the selection criteria. A satisfactory national police check and a completed conflict-of-interest declaration are required.