Director, First Peoples

Australian Catholic University – Melbourne VIC 21d ago , from Australian Catholic University Campus Location: North Sydney, Australia | Melbourne, Australia Job No: APTAV #063 Full time opportunity, attracting a competitive market based salary North Sydney or Melbourne based This opportunity is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people only About the organisation: Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a national public university with a strong mission focus and a presence across seven campuses in Australia. Guided by its Catholic identity and values, ACU is committed to the pursuit of knowledge, truth, and service of the common good. ACU has a proud history of supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and communities through its network of Indigenous Higher Education Units (IHEUs). The University is now entering an exciting new phase to strengthen and align these services nationally while maintaining strong local connections to community. You don't need to be Catholic to join ACU, but you must be able to work within and respect a values-based, Catholic institutional context. About the role: The Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education provides national leadership across ACU's seven campuses, ensuring consistent, high-quality, and culturally safe education and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), this role leads the activation and alignment of four Indigenous Higher Education Units, managing a growing national team and directly contributing to student success, community engagement, and reconciliation outcomes. This is a hands‑on leadership position that combines strategic direction, community partnership, and on‑the‑ground influence. The Director will champion student experience, oversee government funding and compliance, and build relationships with Catholic, government, and community partners to strengthen ACU's national Indigenous education footprint. To obtain a Candidate Information Package, please contact Pipeline Talent via: About you: You bring culturally grounded leadership and a demonstrated ability to design and deliver strategic frameworks that drive organisational impact. You bring a deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities, and education pathways, along with experience leading teams and driving outcomes across complex, multi‑site environments. You will have experience working in education, training, or community sectors, with strong skills in governance, stakeholder engagement, and program delivery. You are an authentic communicator who builds trust, leads with integrity, and aligns naturally with mission‑based values. Selection criteria includes: Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and demonstrates cultural leadership and community accountability. Proven ability to lead teams across multiple sites and build consistent, high‑quality service delivery. Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, government, and education partners. Demonstrated experience managing funding, reporting, and compliance requirements. Understanding of and ability to work effectively within a Catholic institutional context. Postgraduate qualification (completed or in progress) in education, management, or a related field. What we can offer you: A values‑led organisation committed to education, equity, and the common good. Five‑year fixed‑term contract with relocation support available. Flexible working arrangements and hybrid options. Opportunities for national leadership, professional growth, and impact across ACU's campuses. The chance to lead meaningful change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education at a national level. How to apply: Your application should include: A current resume. A cover letter responding to the selection criteria and outlining your suitability for the position. Applications are to be submitted via the Pipeline Talent website at: Applications close: Monday 24 November 2025 at 11:59pm For further information on the position, please contact the team at Pipeline Talent. Contact: Richard Allan, Senior Recruitment ConsultantEM: *******@pipelinetalent.com.auM: *** | PH: 6*** ACU considers that being Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under s 14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), or s 28 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic) Your Privacy of personal information is maintained in accordance with ACU policy. For more details visit: ACU is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and enables our people to reach their potential. This is underpinned by our mission and values, grounded in our respect for all people and the advancement of the common good. In line with our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences. ACU is recognised as a Veteran Employment Supporter and veterans are encouraged to apply. ACU offers support for candidates that may require adjustments through the recruitment process. Please contact ***********@acu.edu.au to discuss your requirements in confidence. ACU is not accepting applications submitted through this recruitment portal. Be careful - Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don't transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad. #J-18808-Ljbffr