Director Research & Data

Lead nationally significant research that drives First Nations VET reform

• Competitive Salary Package of $196,805 (Inclusive of Super) + Salary Packaging
• Shape the future of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and evidence-led decision-making
• Join ICOVE and build a new national Research & Data function from the ground up

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

About the Opportunity

ICOVE is seeking a full-time Director Research & Data to join ICOVE, working remotely from anywhere in Australia.

Reporting to the Executive Director Policy & Research, you'll lead ICOVE's Research & Data pillar, developing its national research agenda, Indigenous Data Governance framework, monitoring and evaluation systems, and evidence base to support meaningful reform across the First Nations VET sector.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading the development and implementation of ICOVE's Research & Data Strategy
• Establishing Indigenous Data Governance and Data Sovereignty frameworks across ICOVE
• Designing and overseeing research, monitoring and evaluation projects that inform national reform
• Producing high-quality research reports, evidence briefs and ICOVE's flagship Blak Papers
• Building strong partnerships with First Nations organisations, universities, governments and sector stakeholders
• Translating complex research and data into practical recommendations that influence policy and improve outcomes
• Leading and developing a high-performing Research & Data team
• Managing research budgets, project delivery and reporting requirements
• Representing ICOVE at national forums, working groups and stakeholder meetings
• Driving a culture of evidence-based decision-making throughout the organisation

About You

To qualify, you'll need tertiary qualifications in Research, Evaluation, Data Analytics, Social Sciences, Statistics, Education or another related discipline. Significant senior leadership experience within research, evaluation or data functions will also be essential. Experience within Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations is highly regarded but not essential.

Additionally, the following skills and experience will be highly valued:

• Strong understanding of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Indigenous Data Governance
• Extensive experience developing monitoring, evaluation and learning frameworks
• Demonstrated success leading complex research projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking capability
• Exceptional written communication skills, including research reports, briefing papers and strategic documentation
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing organisational budgets
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Experience working collaboratively across government, research and community sectors
• Postgraduate qualifications (Masters or PhD)
• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage and established connections within the VET or community-controlled sectors will be highly regarded

As our ideal candidate, you'll be an intellectually curious and highly collaborative leader who thrives on solving complex problems through evidence. You'll combine strategic thinking with strong relationship-building skills and have the ability to communicate complex data in a way that influences decision-makers.

Most importantly, you'll understand that this is not a traditional policy role. Instead, you'll bring a passion for data, evidence and Indigenous-led research, recognising that robust evidence is what drives meaningful reform. You'll also appreciate the importance of First Nations data sovereignty and culturally safe research practices, helping ICOVE establish itself as a national leader in this space.

If you're excited by the opportunity to build a nationally significant function from the ground up and leave a lasting legacy for First Nations communities, we'd love to hear from you.

About the Benefits

In return for your expertise, you'll receive a highly competitive executive remuneration package of $196,805 (Inclusive of Super), negotiable based on your skills and experience, along with an outstanding range of benefits, including:

• Salary Sacrificing Options
• Flexible Work Arrangements
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunity to establish and lead a new national Research & Data function
• Work alongside respected Aboriginal leaders driving national reform
• Make a genuine impact on First Nations education outcomes across Australia
• Join an organisation committed to Aboriginal community control, innovation and evidence-led change

This is a unique executive opportunity to help shape one of Australia's most significant Indigenous-led VET reform initiatives. If you're passionate about research, data and creating lasting change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - APPLY TODAY!