Join a vibrant team in a new Traditional Owner-led initiative!
- Empower the next generation of Reef Traditional Owners through youth leadership and engagement opportunities!
- Be part of a bold, values-driven team shaping the future of the Reef
- Remote working in Queensland (or hybrid in Brisbane)
- Start ASAP on a Fixed Term Contract until 30 March 2028
- Salary $90,000 – $105,000 (+ super) negotiable, depending on experience
- Identified Role: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants only, with preference for Reef Traditional Owners
+ The Scoop:
The Great Barrier Reef Traditional Owner Taskforce (ReefTO) is a Traditional Owner-led, grassroots initiative that honours the decades of work by Elders to assert their cultural authority and rights to sea country and to drive genuine partnerships across the Reef.
ReefTO is guided by the Reef 2050 Traditional Owner Implementation Plan, a living document created by mob, for mob. Our mission is to amplify Traditional Owner voices, elevate their priorities, and drive genuine partnerships across the Reef. We’re not just asking for a seat at the table; we’re building our own.
ReefTO has three key objectives over the next 2-3 years:
- Engage with Traditional Owners to establish a Sea Country Alliance.
- Deliver strategic policy and capacity building actions in the TO Implementation Plan.
- Monitor and report on the delivery of actions in the TO Implementation Plan.
ReefTO is hosted by Pollination Foundation until a Sea Country Alliance is set up.
We’re currently in build-mode – laying strong foundations, navigating ambiguity and pushing for impact. We need values-aligned, passionate, skilled people who are up for the challenge!
+ The Opportunity:
This is a unique opportunity to lead youth engagement across ReefTO and ensure young Reef Traditional Owners are meaningfully involved in shaping the future of Sea Country.
Reporting to the Director, Programs & Engagement, you’ll coordinate the ReefTO Youth Reference Group, lead youth programming for the Sea Country Summit 2026, and support the development of young Reef leaders. You’ll work closely with the Programs & Engagement, Executive and Comms & Creative teams to embed a youth perspective across all areas of ReefTO’s work.
+ What You’ll Be Doing
(A.K.A. Your Superpowers):
- Establish and coordinate the ReefTO Youth Reference Group
- Design and deliver youth-specific engagement activities through regional dialogues
- Integrate youth programming across ReefTO’s initiatives
- Lead youth programming for the Sea Country Summit 2026
- Shape youth-focused communications and storytelling
- Support leadership development and pathways for young Reef Traditional Owners
- Provide regular updates and reports on youth engagement outcomes
For more detail, click here to access the full Info Pack.
+ Who We’re Looking For:
- At least 4–5 years’ experience working with youth, particularly in Indigenous or community-led contexts
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills
- Creative thinker with a passion for youth empowerment and social change
- Strong organisational and project management skills
- Collaborative, adaptable, and eager to learn
- Cultural competence and humility
- Experience in governance, event planning, or communications is a plus
- A positive, can-do attitude and commitment to ReefTO’s mission
+ Why Apply?
You’ll join a passionate, purpose-driven team working to transform systems and empower Reef Traditional Owners. You’ll have the opportunity to be creative, lead youth-focused initiatives, and contribute to a legacy of cultural authority and sea country stewardship.. Learn from a visionary group of Reef Traditional Owners, be part of a genuinely supportive and nimble close-knit team, work remotely, and grow professionally.
For a detailed position description, please access the Info Pack for Applicants.
To perform this role, it is essential that the person is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991. Applications will only be considered from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with a strong preference for suitably qualified and experience Reef Traditional Owners.
+ How to Apply
Click APPLY RIGHT HERE and submit a cover letter addressing your suitability for the role together with a current CV, by noon Monday 23rd June 2025.
Due to the volume of hiring the ReefTO is currently doing, we don’t have the capacity to handle individual enquiries about positions.