Director Research & Data

Director Research & Data
Indigenous Centre of Vocational Excellence (ICOVE)Lead nationally significant research that drives First Nations VET reformCompetitive Salary Package of $196,805 (Inclusive of Super) + Salary PackagingRemote (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 RoleReporting 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 ResponsibilitiesLead the development and implementation of ICOVE's Research & Data StrategyEstablish Indigenous Data Governance and Indigenous Data Sovereignty frameworksDesign and oversee national research, monitoring and evaluation projectsProduce high-quality research reports, evidence briefs and ICOVE's flagship Blak PapersBuild strong partnerships with First Nations organisations, universities, government and sector stakeholdersTranslate research findings into practical recommendations that inform national reformLead and develop a high-performing Research & Data teamManage research budgets, projects and reporting requirementsRepresent ICOVE at national forums, committees and stakeholder meetingsFoster a culture of evidence-based decision-making across the organisation
About YouYou'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 disciplineSignificant senior leadership experience within research, evaluation or data environmentsStrong knowledge of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Indigenous Data Governance principlesDemonstrated experience developing monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworksProven success leading complex, multi-stakeholder research initiativesExceptional analytical, critical thinking and written communication skillsExperience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing organisational budgetsStrong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilityExperience working collaboratively across government, research and community sectors
Highly regarded:Experience working within Aboriginal Community Controlled OrganisationsPostgraduate 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 UsIn return, you'll receive:Competitive salary package of $196,805 (Inclusive of Super)Salary packaging opportunitiesFlexible remote working arrangementsProfessional development and leadership opportunitiesThe opportunity to establish and lead a new national Research & Data functionWork alongside respected Aboriginal leaders driving national reformMake a lasting impact on First Nations education and training outcomesJoin an organisation committed to Aboriginal community control, innovation and evidence-led change
Apply NowIf 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.