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 Coalition of Peaks Policy and 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 applies their policy advice, research and analysis skills to influence policy, legislation and funding reform to drive better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in line with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

The Assistant Director 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 expectations of the role are similar to those of an Executive Level 1 in the Australian Public Service. It is preferred that the position is based in Canberra, however, remote working will be considered for the right candidate. A small relocation allowance, up to $2,000 may be considered for a successful non-Canberra based candidate who is prepared to relocate. The position will be offered initially as a full-time, non-ongoing role for 18 months with the possibility of further employment at the end of the contract.

About You

You will bring a solid foundation in policy analysis, research, and influencing with a demonstrated understanding of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. 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 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 policy 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.

As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisation, the Coalition of Peaks is committed to growing and supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce in our sector. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for these roles, regardless of your previous experience. The Coalition of Peaks values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of being, doing and knowing as core skills to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of all positions in our organisation.

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, Sunday 25 May 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 Policy and Strategy team leads policy reform agendas to develop legislation, policies, programs and practices to drive better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in line with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The Assistant Director, Policy and Strategy, will work closely with the Director, Policy and Strategy to manage a small team to deliver high-level, evidence-informed policy analysis and advice relating to the Coalition of Peaks’ objectives. Within the Coalition of Peaks Policy and Secretariat, Assistant Directors collaborate closely with each other and with Directors as part of the leadership team, actively engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders including Coalition of Peaks Members and Australian governments.

KEY DUTIES

The main duties include, but are not limited to:

· Undertaking detailed policy analysis and development to provide high-quality, evidence-based policy advice and guidance to the Coalition of Peaks.

· Leading, writing and editing policy and research reports, submissions, internal and external briefings, presentations and/or media statements.

· Providing guidance to team members in developing policy, research and analysis deliverables.

· Providing high quality secretariat and policy support to enable the Coalition of Peaks to effectively participate in National Agreement on Closing the Gap governance structures including Joint Council and Partnership Working Group.

· Leading policy projects and initiatives to drive government implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are prioritised in government policies, strategies and frameworks.

· Supporting the Lead Convenor, Deputy Lead Convenors and other Coalition of Peaks members to engage in high-level and strategic policy engagement and reform processes.

· Translating policy and research into accessible resources and information for Coalition of Peaks member services and key stakeholders.

· Establishing and maintaining ongoing relationships with key partners, stakeholders and Peaks Member Organisations.

· Managing and supervising team members to support the positive cohesion, management, and motivation of the team.

· 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

· A minimum of five years of policy, research and/or advocacy experience.

· Highly developed cultural acumen, including a deep understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities.

· Demonstrated understanding of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and its implementation.

· Demonstrated experience providing high quality, evidence-based, strategic policy advice and analysis to influence decision-making and/or drive policy reform.

· 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 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.

· 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.

VALUES, BEHAVIOURS AND CAPABILITIES

Job Specific Capabilities

· Strategic, creative thinker with strong analytical skills

· Collaborative and respectful team member

· Strong attention to detail and follow-through

· Open, honest, and culturally safe communicator

· Self-motivated, organised, and outcomes-focused

· Calm under pressure and adaptable in dynamic environments

Cultural Acumen
All staff are expected to continuously develop their cultural knowledge and embed culturally safe practices, with a commitment to the principles of self-determination, truth-telling and community control.

Leadership
All Coalition of Peaks staff are expected to demonstrate leadership through their behaviour, decisions and relationships, and uphold our shared vision for a future led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, in partnership with governments.