Director Research & Data
Director Research & Data
Indigenous Centre of Vocational Excellence (ICOVE)
Lead nationally significant research that drives First Nations VET reform
- Competitive Salary Package of $196,805 (Inclusive of Super) + Salary Packaging
- Remote (Australia-wide)
Why Join ICOVE?
The Indigenous Centre of Vocational Excellence (ICOVE) is a First Nations-led national initiative established under the Australian Government's National Skills Agreement and aligned with Closing the Gap reforms.
Delivered in partnership between Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) and Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative, ICOVE is strengthening the vocational education and training (VET) system for First Nations people through innovation, partnership, capability building and evidence-led reform.
We're seeking an experienced Director Research & Data to establish and lead our national Research & Data function, helping shape policy, strengthen Indigenous Data Sovereignty and deliver meaningful outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia.
About the Role
Reporting to the Executive Director – Policy & Research, you'll provide strategic leadership for ICOVE's Research & Data pillar, developing the organisation's research agenda, Indigenous Data Governance framework and monitoring, evaluation and learning systems.
You'll translate complex research into practical insights that influence policy, strengthen partnerships and support evidence-based decision-making across the First Nations VET sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of ICOVE's Research & Data Strategy
- Establish Indigenous Data Governance and Indigenous Data Sovereignty frameworks
- Design and oversee national research, monitoring and evaluation projects
- Produce high-quality research reports, evidence briefs and ICOVE's flagship Blak Papers
- Build strong partnerships with First Nations organisations, universities, government and sector stakeholders
- Translate research findings into practical recommendations that inform national reform
- Lead and develop a high-performing Research & Data team
- Manage research budgets, projects and reporting requirements
- Represent ICOVE at national forums, committees and stakeholder meetings
- Foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making across the organisation
About You
You'll be a strategic and collaborative research leader with extensive experience leading complex research, evaluation or data functions.
You'll also bring:
- Tertiary qualifications in Research, Evaluation, Data Analytics, Social Sciences, Statistics, Education or a related discipline
- Significant senior leadership experience within research, evaluation or data environments
- Strong knowledge of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Indigenous Data Governance principles
- Demonstrated experience developing monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks
- Proven success leading complex, multi-stakeholder research initiatives
- Exceptional analytical, critical thinking and written communication skills
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing organisational budgets
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capability
- Experience working collaboratively across government, research and community sectors
Highly regarded:
- Experience working within Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations
- Postgraduate qualifications (Masters or PhD)
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage and established connections within the VET or community-controlled sectors
Why You'll Love Working With Us
In return, you'll receive:
- Competitive salary package of $196,805 (Inclusive of Super)
- Salary packaging opportunities
- Flexible remote working arrangements
- Professional development and leadership opportunities
- The opportunity to establish and lead a new national Research & Data function
- Work alongside respected Aboriginal leaders driving national reform
- Make a lasting impact on First Nations education and training outcomes
- Join an organisation committed to Aboriginal community control, innovation and evidence-led change
Apply Now
If you're passionate about research, Indigenous Data Sovereignty and using evidence to create lasting change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of First Nations vocational education and training across Australia.
