Are you a data-driven policy professional looking for an opportunity to apply your skills and expertise to contribute to Closing the Gap policy reform?

About the organisation

The Coalition of Peaks is a representative body of more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled peak organisations and members who have come together to Close the Gap, in partnership with Australian governments.

We share a belief that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should have a meaningful say on policies and programs related to Closing the Gap through formal partnerships with Australian governments at all levels.

The CoP Secretariat Team supports the work of the Coalition of Peaks, providing high level and comprehensive policy and strategic advice to Peaks Members, to support the implementation and monitoring of actions in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

About the Role

The Assistant Director, Data applies their data policy advice, research and analysis skills to lead projects relevant to the implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

The Assistant Director, Data leads a small team and works in close collaboration with members of the Policy and Strategy Team, and the Secretariat more broadly. They will use their ability to interpret and communicate data to formulate policy positions, lead, write and edit policy and discussion papers, briefs and submissions to government relevant to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The Assistant Director will develop advice, resources and guidance to strengthen data policy and analysis capacity across Peaks members.

The expectations of the role are similar to those of an Executive Level 1 in the Australian Public Service. The position is Canberra based and will be offered as a full-time, ongoing role. A small relocation allowance, up to $2,000 may be considered for a successful non-Canberra based candidate who is prepared to relocate.

About You

You will bring a solid foundation in data analysis, research, and policy development. You can collate, analyse and interpret data from various sources to inform and prepare research papers, reports, talking points and briefs. You effectively influence decision-making through the provision of evidence-based, strategic data policy advice. You work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have the ability to adjust as priorities change.

You are a collaborative leader and team player, who shares their data knowledge and expertise with others to build those capabilities across the team. You will bring experience in stakeholder engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, organisations and communities, and with government officials of all levels. You are able to communicate data insights effectively with a variety of audiences.

To apply

Apply via email to [email protected] or directly through Seek.

Applicants should review the Position Description (below), which includes further details on the key duties and selection criteria, and submit:

• A current CV highlighting your experience and qualifications, including details of at least two referees; and
• A one-to-two-page pitch demonstrating why you are the right person for the position.

Closing date: Applications must be received by 11:59pm 27 March 2025.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates.

Enquiries

If you would like to know more about the role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email at [email protected].

For general information about the Coalition of Peaks visit our website.

What’s on offer

Generous not-for-profit Salary Packaging benefits (up to $18,550)

Job satisfaction including excellent opportunities to grow one’s skills

15% Superannuation

Position Description

THE ROLE

The Assistant Director, Data Policy manages a small team to deliver a range of high-quality data policy analysis and advice relating to the Coalition of Peaks’ objectives and in support of the implementation of the historic National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Assistant Directors work closely with each other and with the Directors as a leadership team, and engage with a variety of stakeholders including Coalition of Peaks Members and Australian governments.

Key Duties

The main duties include, but are not limited to:

• Providing high quality, evidence-based data policy advice, research and analysis with a focus on implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
• Leading, writing and editing policy reports, briefing papers, meeting talking points, speeches, and discussion papers for Peaks Members and a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Providing strategic guidance to team members in developing data policy, research and analysis deliverables.
• Leading data policy and data research projects relevant to the Coalition of Peaks.
• Producing high quality, clear and accessible information on data policy for Peaks Members and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Developing advice, resources and guidance to strengthen data policy and analysis understanding and capacity across Peaks Membership.
• Supporting Coalition of Peaks representatives in negotiations at the national and state/territory level in line with Peaks Member Priorities.
• Preparing papers, analysis, advice and other documentation for consideration by National Agreement on Closing the Gap governance bodies including Joint Council and Partnership Working Group.
• Establish and maintain ongoing relationships with key partners, stakeholders and Peaks Members.
• Supporting the positive cohesion, management, and motivation of the Policy and Strategy Team and the broader organisation.
• Leading a program of work, and supervising team members as required.
• Demonstrating leadership through their own behaviour, and their expectations of others behaviour, to maintain our high standard of service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Complying with all organisational policies and procedures, and work, health and safety requirements.
• Performing other duties as requested, consistent with the position.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Highly developed cultural competency, including a deep understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, leaders and communities in a policy context.
• Demonstrated people management skills including the ability to manage a small team in a complex and changing environment.
• Demonstrated experience providing high quality, evidence-based, strategic data policy advice and analysis to influence decision-making and/or drive policy reform.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative partnerships with senior leaders across both internal and external settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including being able to communicate complex information clearly and simply to a range of audiences including through the use of data visualisation tools.
• Demonstrated sound judgement in decision-making in complex policy environments.
• Demonstrated high level of integrity, personal drive, and the ability to work creatively and collaboratively as a team leader and member.