Director – Innovation

Build the Future of First Nations Innovation

• Competitive Salary Package circa $196,805 (inclusive of Super) + Salary Packaging
• National Remote Role | Work from Anywhere in Australia
• Laptop and Technology provided to support Remote Working
• Build the systems, partnerships and investment opportunities that drive innovation across Australia's vocational education sector
• Join a growing national organisation helping shape the future of First Nations vocational education

A New National Architecture

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 has been created to strengthen how the vocational education and training (VET) system works for First Nations people through stronger partnerships, capability building, innovation and policy leadership.

As ICOVE continues to grow, innovation will play a central role in identifying new opportunities, building stronger partnerships and creating practical solutions that improve outcomes for First Nations learners, communities and organisations across Australia.

Joining ICOVE means becoming part of a team building a new national organisation from the ground up while leading one of its most important strategic pillars.

For more information, please visit:

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

The Role: Building the Innovation Ecosystem

KAMS / ICOVE is seeking a Director – Innovation to join its national executive leadership team, working remotely from anywhere in Australia.

Reporting to the Executive Director – Capacity Building & Innovation, you'll lead ICOVE's Innovation function, establishing the systems, governance and partnerships that enable innovative ideas to become nationally significant initiatives.

Rather than simply generating new ideas, you'll help determine which opportunities have the greatest potential to create meaningful impact—bringing structure, strategic thinking and collaboration to a growing portfolio of innovation projects.

Working across ICOVE and with government, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), education providers, Jobs and Skills Councils, industry and national stakeholders, you'll identify emerging opportunities, build strategic partnerships, secure new investment and help position ICOVE as a national leader in First Nations innovation.

As one of ICOVE's founding leaders, you'll also help establish the processes, governance and ways of working that will underpin the organisation's Innovation function as it continues to grow.

Here's What You'll Be Leading

As Director – Innovation, you'll provide strategic leadership across ICOVE's Innovation portfolio while building the systems, partnerships and capability that support long-term national impact.

In this role, you'll:

• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of ICOVE's Innovation Workplan
• Establish governance and prioritisation frameworks that evaluate and progress innovation opportunities aligned with ICOVE's strategic priorities
• Build strategic partnerships across government, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), industry, education providers and national stakeholders
• Identify funding opportunities and develop business cases that support future innovation initiatives
• Lead innovation projects from concept through implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement
• Identify emerging trends, technologies and approaches that strengthen First Nations vocational education outcomes
• Build and lead a high-performing Innovation team while fostering collaboration, capability and continuous improvement
• Represent ICOVE nationally while contributing to organisation-wide strategy and executive decision-making

The Profile: Strategic, Curious and Collaborative

You enjoy bringing structure to complex challenges and creating environments where innovation can thrive.

Rather than chasing every new idea, you're someone who knows how to evaluate opportunities, build consensus and focus effort where it will have the greatest impact.

You're comfortable working in evolving environments where priorities shift, new opportunities emerge and strong leadership is needed to balance strategic thinking with practical delivery.

To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• Demonstrated experience leading innovation, transformation or strategic programs within complex organisations
• Proven ability to establish systems, governance and frameworks that support innovation and organisational growth
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience building partnerships across government, industry, education or community sectors
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex strategic initiatives
• Strong commercial, analytical and strategic thinking capability
• Experience identifying funding opportunities, developing business cases and managing organisational priorities

The following experience will also be highly regarded:

• Experience working within Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) or alongside First Nations communities
• Understanding of Australia's Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector
• Experience working with innovation ecosystems, partnership development or capability-building initiatives
• Relevant qualifications in Business, Innovation, Project Management, Community Development, Education or a related discipline

Above all, you'll be an authentic, collaborative and values-led leader who enjoys building capability, empowering others and creating innovation that delivers meaningful, measurable outcomes.

What's on Offer

In recognition of the leadership you'll provide in establishing ICOVE's Innovation function, you'll receive a competitive salary package circa $196,805 (incl. of super) along, with an excellent range of benefits including:

• Salary Packaging to maximise your take-home pay
• National Remote Role with flexibility to Work from Anywhere in Australia
• Executive leadership opportunity within a newly established national organisation
• Opportunity to build one of ICOVE's foundational strategic pillars from the ground up
• Direct involvement in nationally significant Closing the Gap reform initiatives
• Ongoing Professional Development opportunities
• Laptop and Technology to support Remote Working

Why This Role Matters

Innovation isn't measured by the number of ideas—it is measured by the impact those ideas create.

Joining ICOVE is an opportunity to build one of Australia's newest First Nations-led innovation ecosystems, helping establish the partnerships, governance and capability that will shape the future of vocational education for generations to come.

If you're looking for an executive leadership opportunity where your ability to build partnerships, prioritise opportunities and turn ambitious ideas into lasting outcomes can make a genuine national difference, we'd love to hear from you - APPLY NOW!