Director - Policy and Research

Director - Policy and Research

SNAICC strongly encourages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply. 

Do you want to work in an organisation that makes a difference? Are you passionate about delivering excellent policy, research, and advocacy? Do you enjoy finding creative ways to ensure your work has an impact? If this sounds like you, we might just have your perfect job!

About the role

The Director Policy and Research plays a strategic leadership role within the organisation. The position develops and promotes SNAICC’s role as a national voice for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander children and families. 

The incumbent will provide high-quality leadership and guidance to further SNAICC’s development and advance SNAICC’s policy reform and research priorities. This includes leading SNAICC input to and secretariat services for the development, implementation, evaluation and oversight of national strategies and plans for systemic reform to improve services and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. The incumbent will lead a team that provides high-level evidence informed policy analysis of issues relating to SNAICC’s objectives and the rights and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children. 

We are looking for someone who:

• Demonstrated capacity to research, analyse, understand, and write concisely about complex social policy issues. 
• Demonstrated capacity to manage complex projects and budgets and provide timely compliance with outcome and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated capacity to manage people and teams effectively to deliver a complex and high-volume program of work while building a positive and supportive team culture.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate policy effectively and strategically to a range of audiences in both written and oral form, ranging from government ministers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members. 
• Strong leadership skills and significant experience in a senior management position, including:
• strategic leadership of a team and staff
• development and implementation of strategic and operational plans
• evidence of fundraising skills and experience and understanding of financial sustainability and financial management.
• Demonstrated capacity to establish and maintain effective collaborative partnerships at a senior level with a broad range of stakeholders, including non-government organisations, government, philanthropic, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
• Ability to liaise effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations and to secure their participation in work priorities.
• Broad knowledge and a deep understanding of issues impacting upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families and strong commitment to the rights, needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, or the ability to quickly acquire this knowledge.

About SNAICC

Established in 1981, SNAICC – National Voice for our Children is the national non-government peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. SNAICC’s vision is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families are protected, our communities determine their own futures, and our cultural identity is valued. We work to amplify the voice of community and the sector for the fulfilment of the rights of our children.

SNAICC plays a key role in the following areas:

• Research and policy development, with high-level leadership, policy and sector representation.
• Training and resource design, development and delivery including topics such as early childhood development, partnerships, family support, trauma, and cultural competency.
• Support for sector development, membership, and networking.

About the Unit:  

SNAICC’s Policy and Research team leads targeted and largescale projects and policy reform agendas to develop legislation, policies, programs, and practices that support safety, development and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Projects involve close collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations, mainstream services, governments, and other peak bodies. 

Why join SNAICC?

• Inclusive positive team culture
• Opportunity to make a positive impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Attractive salary 
• Salary Packaging ($15,900 tax free salary component and an additional component of up to $2,650 tax-free to be spent on meals entertainment / accommodation & venue hire – subject to Government regulations)
• 5 Weeks Annual Leave
• Leave loading
• Cultural leave provisions
• Flexible work arrangements

Further information and closing date: 

Applications will be accepted until midnight Sunday 26 May 2024.   

Applications must include:

• a brief cover letter outlining why you are applying for the position
• written responses to how you meet each of the key selection criteria, including short examples demonstrating your proficiency for each criterion
• a resume with your skills, experience, and qualifications, relevant to the role. 

Please note that shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

The successful applicant will be required to have or obtain a current Working with Children Check and a National Police Check.

Please email applications to recruitment@snaicc.org.au

For general information about SNAICC, visit the SNAICC website.

Initial inquiries and specific questions about the role via recruitment@snaicc.org.au using the subject line Director, Policy and Research.  

SNAICC reserves the right to commence recruitment proceedings immediately. 

SNAICC is committed to everyday practice to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children. Successful applicants are required to adhere to our Child safe practices and policies.

SNAICC does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies at this time – thank you. Please be advised that SNAICC is not responsible for any fees associated with unsolicited resumes submitted outside of its recruitment process.