Classification: Senior Manager 3
Salary package: Competitive salary package plus 17% superannuation
Terms: Full time, Fixed term (12 months)
Location: Canberra, ACT

Position Description and Selection Criteria: PD&PEWER;_SM3_Associate Director, Policy and Partnerships.pdf

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.

Senior leadership opportunity supporting nationally significant First Nations economic reform

- Lead the delivery of major policy projects with governments and other partners
- Shape policy, institutional reform and investment approaches
- Build partnerships across First Nations organisations, governments, industry and philanthropy
- Translate research and evidence into practical reform
- Join the leadership of a new Indigenous-led national Centre

Position overview

Within ANU, the Centre of Indigenous Economic Transformation (CIET) is an Indigenous-led national hub advancing economic self-determination through research, policy influence, partnerships and education.

CIET works with First Nations leaders and organisations, governments, industry, investors and philanthropy to drive systems change across areas including institutional and fiscal reform, access to capital and investment, Indigenous trade, data sovereignty and clean energy transitions.

The role

Reporting to the Centre Director, the Associate Director, Policy and Partnerships will lead CIET’s policy agenda, strategic partnerships and cross-sector engagement.

The role will translate research and evidence into practical policy outcomes, provide strategic advice on Indigenous economic rights and legislative and institutional reform and manage key partnerships and stakeholder relationships.

A key focus will be coordinating and driving CIET’s portfolio of policy projects with governments and other partners.



The Associate Director will work closely with the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance, First Nations organisations, governments, industry, investors and philanthropy. They will oversee policy initiatives, represent CIET in key forums and lead a cross-cultural team to deliver meaningful and culturally safe outcomes.

About You

You are an experienced leader with a strong record in Indigenous economic policy, systems reform or related fields.

You bring:

- postgraduate qualifications and relevant experience, including a national or international reputation for leadership in Indigenous policy, or an equivalent combination of experience and training
- a high level of Indigenous knowledge, cultural expertise and experience, particularly in relation to economic development
- an extensive record of shaping Indigenous economic policy and systems reform, with demonstrable national outcomes
- proven ability to translate research into legislation, regulation and institutional design
- exceptional partnership-building and negotiation experience across First Nations organisations, Commonwealth and state or territory governments, industry and philanthropy
- deep knowledge of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, free, prior and informed consent, Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, data sovereignty and Indigenous-led evaluation frameworks
- outstanding strategic communication and public leadership skills,



including experience preparing speeches, media materials and policy briefs
- experience leading cross-cultural teams and embedding culturally safe, rights-based practice in programs and partnerships
- a commitment to equal employment opportunity and culturally protected, inclusive practice that embeds Indigenous leadership and participation

For further information, please contact Corinne Payne, CIET Centre Manager, E: [email protected].

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information on employment opportunities, contact our Indigenous Employment Consultant at [email protected].

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to people of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion.

Application information

To apply for this role, please upload:

- a statement addressing the selection criteria, no longer than 2 pages
- a current curriculum vitae which includes the names and contact details of at least 3 referees, preferably including a current or previous supervisor
- any other documents requested as part of the application process

Applications that do not address the selection criteria may not be considered.

Please note: The preferred candidate must have rights to live and work in Australia and will be required to complete mandatory pre-employment declarations and background checks relevant to the role they have applied for, in accordance with the Background Checking Procedure and the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 27 September 2026, 11.55pm (Canberra time)

📌 Associate Director, Policy and Partnerships (Canberra)
🏢 The Australian National University
📍 Canberra