Director, National Sector Strengthening

We encourage and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.

About the organisation
The Coalition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peak Organisations (Coalition of Peaks) is a representative body of more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled peak organisations and members who have come together to work in partnership with Australian governments to improve the life outcomes for our people. The Coalition of Peaks share a belief that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should have a meaningful say on policies and programs related to Closing the Gap through formal partnerships with Australian governments at all levels. The Peaks Policy and Secretariat Team (Secretariat) supports the work of the Coalition of Peaks, providing high level and comprehensive policy and strategic advice to Peaks Members, to support the implementation and monitoring of actions in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.


About the role
The Director, National Sector Strengthening, is a pivotal leadership role within the Coalition of Peaks Policy and Secretariat, overseeing the development, implementation and evaluation of sector strengthening plans to drive better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in line with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Leading a small, dedicated team, the Director drives cross-sector collaboration, guides a national Community of Practice and provides strategic advice to Peaks Members and governments to increase capacity, sustainability, and coverage of community-controlled organisations.

For a full list of responsibilities for the above roles, please contact Pipeline Talent via [email protected].


About you
You are a seasoned leader with a strong commitment to community-led reform and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You bring expertise in effective engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders with a demonstrated understanding of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. You work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and demonstrate the ability to adjust as priorities change.
You are a collaborative leader and team player, who shares their knowledge and expertise with others to build capabilities across the team. You will have a strong background in policy, research and/or advocacy.. Your communication is clear, persuasive, and grounded in integrity—whether you're advising on sector plans, facilitating a Community of Practice, or shaping national strategy.


Key Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated experience delivering strategic, evidence-based policy and reform advice at a senior level, with the ability to influence decision-making and lead systemic change in complex policy environments.
2. Deep cultural competence, including a strong understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and a commitment to the principles of self-determination, cultural safety, and the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
3. Proven leadership and people management skills, including experience building and motivating high-performing teams, providing direction in dynamic settings, and fostering a culturally safe and inclusive workplace.
4. Extensive experience engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations and leaders, with the ability to develop and maintain respectful, collaborative partnerships that centre First Nations priorities.
5. Highly developed communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex ideas to a variety of audiences through strategic writing, public speaking, stakeholder liaison, and advocacy.
6. Strong project and program management capability, including experience overseeing Communities of Practice, supporting plan development and implementation, and delivering outcomes across national initiatives.
7. A high level of integrity, sound judgment, and professional accountability, with demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively across senior leadership structures and represent organisational priorities in national forums.

What we can offer you

• Generous not-for-profit Salary Packaging benefits (up to $18,550)
• Job satisfaction including excellent opportunities to grow one’s skills
• 15% Superannuation
• It is preferred that the position is based in Canberra, however, remote working may be considered for the right candidate. A small relocation allowance, up to $2,000 may be considered for a successful non-Canberra based candidate who is prepared to relocate.

How to apply
All applications must be made in writing and include the following:

• Up to date CV
• Cover letter (maximum 3 pages) addressing the 7 selection criteria above, outlining why you have applied for the position and how you meet the requirements of the position.

Applications are to be submitted via the Pipeline Talent website.

Applications close 11:59PM Monday 4 August 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.  

How to get more information
For further information on the position, please contact the team at Pipeline Talent.
Megan Ingram
Senior Recruitment Consultant
[email protected] | [email protected]
M 0419 599 251| PH 02 8001 6603