Program Support Coordinator - Safe on Country Fund

About the role

Desert Knowledge Australia (DKA) administers the Australian Government's Safe on Country Fund in Central Australia, which funds community-led projects to reduce family and domestic violence and strengthen families. The Program Support Coordinator manages the fund's operational and financial systems, working closely with the Program Manager and Grants Manager. The position is full-time, fixed term until 30 June 2028 (subject to funding), based at the Desert Knowledge Precinct in Mparntwe/Alice Springs with occasional travel to remote communities.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate governance and secretariat work for the Safe on Country Fund Community Panel, including meeting coordination, papers, records, action tracking and implementation of decisions.
• Plan and run Panel meetings, community engagement and program events, and manage travel, accommodation and sitting fees.
• Maintain governance, financial and operational records and information systems.
• Manage program administration, stakeholder enquiries and referrals to support services.
• Provide executive and operational support to the Program Manager and Grants Manager, including reporting deadlines, correspondence, meetings, travel and procurement.
• Oversee grant commitments, expenditure monitoring, forecasting, acquittals and financial risk, and report regularly to the Program Manager.
• Lead coordination of reports, briefing papers and performance reporting for DSS, the DKA Board and the Community Panel.
• Develop and improve administrative, governance and financial systems, and monitor compliance and risk registers.

Required profile

• Qualification in business administration, finance, accounting, governance or project administration, or significant equivalent experience.
• Experience in program support, financial administration, business operations and executive support; supporting boards, committees or governance bodies; and arranging travel and events in remote Northern Territory contexts.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate complex operations and give advice to managers with minimal supervision.
• Experience monitoring budgets, processing financial transactions, preparing reconciliations and supporting financial reporting.
• Current C class driver's licence and willingness to travel to remote communities, including overnight stays and unsealed roads in a 4WD.
• High discretion, integrity and confidentiality, and respectful communication with Aboriginal people, including Elders and community members with varying English literacy.
• Desirable: ability to speak or understand a Central Australian Aboriginal language, lived experience of remote Central Australian communities, and experience in domestic, family and sexual violence, community safety or community services.

Required skills

• Well-developed Microsoft Office skills and readiness to learn program-specific systems such as a grants management system, Panel tablets and video conferencing.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, funding agreements and compliance requirements.

Applications include a resume and a two-page cover letter addressing the selection criteria, submitted through the online application form by 15 November 2026. A satisfactory national police check and a completed conflict-of-interest declaration are required.