We are seeking motivated and passionate Assistant Directors to join the Early Childhood Care and Development Policy Partnership (ECCDPP) team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful policy work in a shared decision-making environment to support Closing the Gap early childhood outcomes.
You will be working in partnership with the First Nations peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and family, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children (SNAICC), in policy development and research, including through creative problem solving and consensus building. You will also build and manage collaborative relationships with Commonwealth agencies and state and territory governments to ensure a holistic, child-centred and joined-up approach to First Nations early childhood policy matters.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to nationally significant policy reform in the Closing the Gap early childhood care and development sector. As an Assistant Director, you will gain strategic policy leadership experience, exposure to senior executive decision-making processes, stakeholder engagement, high level communication, and leadership and team development opportunities.
Our role is an Identified position. We are seeking someone with an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues are strongly encouraged to apply.
The key duties of the position include:
In this role, your responsibilities will include the following:
- Managing and building collaborative relationships with Commonwealth agencies, state and territory governments and First Nations representatives.
- Leading and managing research project activities on behalf of the Partnership, including managing grant and procurement activities
- Leading the development and coordination of briefing and papers for senior decision makers in collaboration with SNAICC
- Applying critical thinking skills to develop policy advice and navigate complexity
- Leading strategic coordination and liaison across Commonwealth agencies in support of Closing the Gap activities
- Managing staff and contributing to a positive team culture by working collaboratively and supporting colleagues
- Acting as Director when required
Eligibility
Employment at the Department of Education is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:
- Citizenship: Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency delegate has agreed, in writing.
- Security Clearance: This is a designated security assessed position. The successful candidate will have the ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.
Getting to know the Department of Education
The Department of Education contributes to Australia's economic prosperity and social wellbeing by creating opportunities and driving better outcomes through access to quality education and learning. A strong early childhood education system built around early learning and child care gives children the best start in life—supporting them to build social and behavioural skills to help prepare them to transition to school. For parents and carers, affordable child care enables them to participate in the workforce, pursue further education or other opportunities to contribute to their community — bolstering the social wellbeing and economic prosperity of the nation. As children continue their journey through school, access to quality education creates the foundation for a bright future – it opens a world of possibilities and equips children and young people with the skills, knowledge, and career advice to prepare them for further work or study to fulfil their dreams. An affordable, and accessible higher education sector allows Australians and international students to pursue their passion in life or reskill for the jobs of the future. A strong higher education and research sector in step with national priority areas provides people with an opportunity to choose a career path that addresses skill shortages or the challenges of the future including, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health, and education. Through education and learning, we change lives, create opportunities, and support Australia's economic success and social wellbeing.