About us

Skills Insight is a national not-for-profit Jobs and Skills Council, appointed by the Australian Government. We work with industry stakeholders across agribusiness, fibre, furnishing, food, animal and environment care to shape skills and training that meet the needs of today and tomorrow.

We are collaborative, curious and people-focused. Our team thrives on openness, trust, and respect – and we’re now looking for someone who shares these values to help us deliver work that shapes the national Vocational Education Training system.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director - Research & Engagement is responsible for leading Skills Insight's research, industry engagement and policy strategies & functions.

The role makes sure employer, union and other stakeholder views are gathered through tripartite engagement and co-design. It turns those views into credible evidence and insight, which is used to shape workforce planning, skills solutions, policy positions and Skills Insight's priorities.

As a member of the Executive Team, the role shares responsibility for organisational strategy, performance and culture. The role works closely with the CEO on external influence and with the COO on how research and engagement feed into delivery.

They Key role responsibilities are:

1. Lead workforce research and insights Develop and oversee Skills Insight's research agenda, ensuring robust evidence, workforce analysis, and industry intelligence inform strategic workforce planning and skills priorities.

2. Drive Industry Engagement and Co-Design Lead tripartite engagement with employers, employees, industry bodies, and stakeholders, ensuring balanced participation, strong relationships,



and meaningful co-design of workforce and skills solutions.

3. Translate Insights into Strategic Action Convert research and stakeholder feedback into actionable workforce plans, project proposals, skills initiatives, and organisational priorities that deliver industry impact.

4. Lead Policy Development and Advocacy Develop evidence-based policy positions, represent industry perspectives with government and the VET sector, and strengthen Skills Insight’s reputation as a trusted source of workforce intelligence.

5. Provide Leadership and Capability Development Build, lead, and develop high-performing teams by setting clear expectations, fostering collaboration, driving accountability, and promoting a positive organisational culture.

6. Ensure all of the above happens with the appropriate Governance, Compliance and Operational Management Oversee compliance with organisational policies, grant requirements, WHS obligations, record management standards, approved systems, and budget responsibilities.

You will bring specific experience in: · At least 10 years of senior experience in a relevant field, preferably including VET

(Vocational Education & Training).

· Leading research, analysis or evidence functions and turning findings into practical recommendations.

· Designing and leading stakeholder engagement across industry, unions, government and the VET sector.





· Working in tripartite or multi-stakeholder settings and balancing competing interests.

· Developing and advocating policy positions with government.

· Representing organisations at senior levels and in public forums.

· Leading and developing multidisciplinary teams.

· Working in not-for-profit, member-based or government-funded organisations (desirable).

· Familiarity with the Jobs and Skills Council program (desirable).

About you

You possess a tertiary qualification in a relevant field such as public policy, economics, social research, education, business or industrial relations (preferred).

You will also have a robust analytical and strategic capability, with the ability to design and interpret research, translate complex information into clear and practical insights, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

You have highly developed communication, negotiation and facilitation skills, enabling you to build trusted relationships and achieve outcomes across stakeholders with differing perspectives. You are able to demonstrate sound judgement, emotional intelligence and professionalism, coupled with the ability to manage multiple priorities, oversee budgets responsibly, and work autonomously while aligning your activities to organisational strategy and objectives.

If the above describes you, then we’d love to hear from you. Please apply via SEEK with your CV and a cover letter outlining why this role is a great fit for you.

Unfortunately given the volume of applications we often receive, we may not be able to respond to each applicant. Please accept our thanks in advance for your application. Those who are shortlisted will be contacted directly.

📌 Executive Director - Research & Engagement (Docklands)
🏢 Skills Insight
📍 Docklands