Lead nationally significant research that drives First Nations VET reform
Competitive Salary Package of $196,805 (Inclusive of Super) + Salary Packaging
Shape the future of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and evidence-led decision-making
Join ICOVE and build a new national Research & Data function from the ground up
A New National Architecture
TheIndigenous Centre of Vocational Excellence (ICOVE)is a First Nations-led national initiative established under the Australian Government's National Skills Agreement and aligned with Closing the Gap reforms.
Delivered in partnership betweenKimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS)andTranby Aboriginal Co-operative, ICOVE has been created to strengthen how the vocational education and training (VET) system works for First Nations people through stronger partnerships, capability building, innovation and policy leadership.
As ICOVE continues to grow, innovation will play a central role in identifying new opportunities, building stronger partnerships and creating practical solutions that improve outcomes for First Nations learners, communities and organisations across Australia.
Joining ICOVE means becoming part of a team building a new national organisation from the ground up while leading one of its most important strategic pillars.
For more information, please visit:
ICOVE
Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS)
Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative
About the Opportunity
ICOVEis seeking a full-timeDirector Research & Datato joinICOVE,working remotely from anywhere in Australia.
Reporting to theExecutive Director Policy & Research, you'll leadICOVE'sResearch & Data pillar, developing its national research agenda, Indigenous Data Governance framework, monitoring and evaluation systems, and evidence base to support meaningful reform across the First Nations VET sector.
More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Leading the development and implementation ofICOVE'sResearch & Data Strategy
Establishing Indigenous Data Governance and Data Sovereignty frameworks acrossICOVE
Designing and overseeing research,



monitoring and evaluation projects that inform national reform
Producing high-quality research reports, evidence briefs andICOVE'sflagshipBlak Papers
Building strong partnerships with First Nations organisations, universities, governments and sector stakeholders
Translating complex research and data into practical recommendations that influence policy and improve outcomes
Leading and developing a high-performing Research & Data team
Managing research budgets, project delivery and reporting requirements
RepresentingICOVEat national forums, working groups and stakeholder meetings
Driving a culture of evidence-based decision-making throughout the organisation
About You
To qualify, you'll need tertiary qualifications inResearch, Evaluation, Data Analytics, Social Sciences, Statistics, Education or another related discipline.
Significant senior leadership experience within research, evaluation or data functions will also be essential.
Experience within Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations is highly regarded but not essential.
Additionally, the following skills and experience will be highly valued:
Strong understanding of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Indigenous Data Governance
Extensive experience developing monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks
Demonstrated success leading complex research projects involving multiple stakeholders
Outstanding analytical and critical thinking capability
Exceptional written communication skills, including research reports, briefing papers and strategic documentation
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing organisational budgets
Robust stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
Experience working collaboratively across government,



research and community sectors
Postgraduate qualifications (Masters or PhD)
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage and established connections within the VET or community-controlled sectors will be highly regarded
As ourideal candidate, you'll be an intellectually curious and highly collaborative leader who thrives on solving complex problems through evidence.You'll combine strategic thinking with strong relationship-building skills and have the ability to communicate complex data in a way that influences decision-makers.
Most importantly, you'll understand that this isnot a traditional policy role.
Instead,you'll bring a passion for data, evidence and Indigenous-led research, recognising that robust evidence is what drives meaningful reform.
You'll also appreciate the importance of First Nations data sovereignty and culturally protected research practices, helpingICOVEestablish itself as a national leader in this space.
If you're excited by the opportunity to build a nationally significant function from the ground up and leave a lasting legacy for First Nations communities, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Benefits
In return for your expertise, you'll receive ahighly competitive executive remuneration package of $196,805 (Inclusive of Super),negotiable based on your skills and experience, along with an outstanding range of benefits, including:
Salary Sacrificing Options
Versatile Work Arrangements
Professionaldevelopment opportunities
Opportunity to establish and lead a new national Research & Data function
Work alongside respected Aboriginal leadersdriving national reform
Make a genuine impact on First Nations education outcomes across Australia
Join an organisationcommitted to Aboriginal community control, innovation and evidence-led change
This is a unique executive opportunity to help shape one of Australia's most significant Indigenous-led VET reform initiatives.
If you're passionate about research, data and creating lasting change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples -APPLY TODAY!

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