* Statutory Appointment
* Adelaide, SA | Brisbane, QLD | Canberra, ACT | Darwin, NT | Hobart, TAS | Melbourne, VIC | Perth, WA | Sydney, NSW
About the Australian Tertiary Education Commission
The Australian Government is seeking outstanding leaders to serve as the inaugural statutory Commissioners of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC). The ATEC will be established under the proposed Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Act (the ATEC Act).
The ATEC will be led by three statutory office holders – the Chief Commissioner, the First Nations Commissioner, and one Commissioner. The ATEC Commissioners will be appointed by the Commonwealth Minister for Education, subject to the passage of the proposed ATEC Act in the Australian Parliament.
The ATEC's purpose is to be an independent steward of Australia's higher education system, including working towards a more joined up and cohesive tertiary system. As an ATEC Commissioner, you will help shape the future of Australia's tertiary education system by guiding the organisation's strategy, governance and performance.
Working as part of a small, high-impact leadership team, you will provide independent advice to government and champion integrity, equity and excellence across higher education and VET. Each Commissioner will bring unique expertise and together will build an institution that strengthens collaboration and drives lasting improvement across the system.
Duties and Responsibilities
Each Commissioner will have distinct statutory functions and together the Commissioners will hold collective responsibility for the ATEC's leadership and governance.
Chief Commissioner:
As the Chief Commissioner, you will serve as the primary liaison between the ATEC, the Department and the Minister. You will be responsible for the long-term vision of the ATEC, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, and developing a culture that establishes the ATEC as the primary independent advisor to Government in the tertiary education system. You will be required to be an accomplished public speaker, able to communicate ATEC matters effectively with the sector, State and Territory Governments, the media and the public.
The Chief Commissioner's functions under the proposed ATEC Act include:
* to assist the ATEC in the performance of its functions (see Attachment A);
* such other functions as are conferred on the Chief Commissioner by the rules, the ATEC Act or any other law of the Commonwealth; and
* to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.
First Nations Commissioner:
As the First Nations Commissioner, you will consult with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on tertiary education matters and promote their interests and perspectives on tertiary education policy. You must have a deep understanding of First Nations issues within tertiary education and be able to demonstrate cultural competency.
The First Nations Commissioner's functions under the proposed ATEC Act include:
* to assist the ATEC in the performance of its functions (see Attachment A); and
* to consult with Aboriginal persons and Torres Strait Islanders in relation to tertiary education matters;
* to promote the interests and perspectives of Aboriginal persons and Torres Strait Islanders in the development and implementation of tertiary education policy;
* to undertake research and provide advice to the Chief Commissioner and the Commissioner on matters in relation to the participation in tertiary education by, and outcomes relating to, Aboriginal persons and Torres Strait Islanders;
* such other functions as are conferred on the First Nations Commissioner by the rules, ATEC Act or any other law of the Commonwealth; and
* to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.
Under the proposed ATEC Act, the role of the First Nations Commissioner must be undertaken by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
Commissioner:
As Commissioner, you will work alongside the Chief Commissioner and the First Nations Commissioner to achieve the objectives of the ATEC, including by undertaking consultation with stakeholders, and providing deep knowledge and expertise on issues impacting the tertiary education system.
The Commissioner's functions under the proposed ATEC Act include:
* to assist the ATEC in the performance of its functions (see Attachment A);
* such other functions as are conferred on the Commissioner by the rules, ATEC Act or any other law of the Commonwealth; and
* to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit the Future Leadership website:
Executive Search & Leadership Advisory | Future Leadership
Please address your cover letter and resume to Grant Nichol and Andrew Norton of Future Leadership, or call for further information.
Use the appropriate reference when submitting your application:
* ATEcac1125 - Chief Commissioner
* ATEfna1125 - First Nations Commissioner
* ATEcom1125 - Commissioner