Executive Director – Policy & Research

Shape the Future of First Nations VET Policy Across Australia

• Lead a National Movement That Will Influence Generations
• Executive Package circa $290,000 (inclusive of super)
• National role | Work from anywhere in Australia | Influence at Ministerial level

A New National Chapter Begins

The Indigenous Centre of Vocational Excellence (ICOVE) is a First Nations-led national initiative established under the Australian Government’s National Skills Agreement, aligned with Closing the Gap reforms.

Delivered in partnership between Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) and Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative, ICOVE has been created to strengthen how the vocational education and training (VET) system works for First Nations people — enabling better pathways into meaningful employment through stronger policy, improved capability, and more effective system design.

More than a traditional peak body, ICOVE represents a new national architecture — bringing together policy, research, innovation, and sector capability into a coordinated, system-level approach.

With ICOVE being built from the ground up, this is a unique opportunity to step into a foundational leadership role and shape a structure that will influence outcomes across Australia for years to come.

For more information, please visit:

• ICOVE 
• Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS)
• Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative

The Mandate: Build the Policy Engine

This is a national role, working remotely from anywhere in Australia, with regular engagement across jurisdictions and stakeholders.

ICOVE is seeking an Executive Director to establish and lead its national Policy & Research function.

This role sits at the heart of ICOVE’s influence, with direct engagement across government and key national stakeholders — guiding how policy is shaped, how priorities are set, and how outcomes are delivered across the VET system.

Your First Mission

At the centre of this role is a defining national priority:

Establish and lead the First Nations VET Policy Partnership — a national mechanism that brings together government and sector leaders to shape policy direction and inform decision-making at the highest levels.

This partnership is a cornerstone of the National Skills Agreement and plays a vital role in shaping outcomes for First Nations learners across the country.

What You’ll Build and Influence

This is a rare opportunity to establish and shape a national function from inception. 

In this role, you will:

• Establish and lead the First Nations VET Policy Partnership, including governance structures, membership, and strategic direction
• Design and deliver national policy work plans, reporting frameworks, and key outputs
• Work closely with Commonwealth and state government stakeholders, contributing to national policy discussions
• Embed First Nations perspectives into policy design, funding priorities, and system-level decisions
• Translate complex policy into clear, actionable strategies and outcomes
• Build and lead a high-performing Policy & Research team
• Contribute to shaping ICOVE’s role as a trusted national partner in VET reform

You will be operating in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment, managing multiple priorities while engaging across government, sector, and First Nations stakeholders.

To read the full position description, please click here

The Profile: Proven, Trusted, and Ready

You are an experienced and credible leader who brings both strategic insight and practical delivery capability.

To succeed in this role, you will bring:

• Executive or senior leadership experience within VET, public policy, or national reform environments
• Strong understanding of government systems and policy processes, particularly at a Commonwealth level
• Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
• A deep appreciation of governance, accountability, and structured delivery
• Experience working with First Nations organisations, communities, or policy contexts
• Highly developed communication and writing skills, with the ability to simplify complexity

Experience within or alongside government (such as DEWR, DUA, or similar environments) will be highly regarded.

You bring a leadership style that is:

• Strategic and forward-thinking, with a clear vision for impact
• Collaborative, with the ability to build strong relationships across sectors
• Adaptable, comfortable working in evolving and emerging environments
• Influential, able to guide outcomes through partnership and engagement
• Outcome-focused, with a strong sense of accountability and delivery

You are energised by the opportunity to build, lead, and shape something meaningful from its earliest stages.

This role is suited to an established executive-level leader who can step in and deliver impact from the outset.

What You Step Into

In recognition of the impact, scope, and national significance of this role, you will receive a salary package circa $290,000 (inclusive of SUPER), alongside:

• Salary Packaging to maximise your take-home pay
• Remote, national role with flexibility on location across Australia
• Direct exposure to national policy design and reform
• The opportunity to build and lead a function from inception
• A platform to influence outcomes aligned to Closing the Gap priorities

Step Into Something That Will Last

If you’re ready to take on a national leadership role and contribute to meaningful, long-term change, we encourage you to APPLY NOW!