Executive Director (Research & Policy)

Job No: 115706
Location: Collingwood

  • Aboriginal Designated Position - only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply
  • Newly created, Executive Leadership position leading the development of well-reasoned, evidence-based policy and research in Aboriginal health
  • Highly attractive salary plus super & lucrative salary sacrificing options
  • Enjoy great benefits including additional annual leave, and a great work life balance

About the Organisation

The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) is the peak body for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people living in Victoria and is a centre of expertise, policy advice, training, innovation and leadership.

VACCHO is entering a new exciting chapter of its existence, experiencing growth and change in a significant time of self-determination and Community Control. VACCHO advocates for strength-based approaches to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

As a result of this change, the organisation has created new Executive Director roles to lead and drive a stronger presence helping the community, and leading the state in improving Aboriginal Health.

This is an exciting opportunity for dynamic and energetic leaders to nurture and lead VACCHO and their teams, and to make a difference and create positive change in Victorian Aboriginal communities.

To learn more about the other Executive Director position being advertised (Population Health & Sector Development), please click here.

About the Opportunity

VACCHO is looking for an Executive Director (Research & Policy) to join their team on a full-time basis, as part of a 3-year contract. This position is based in Collingwood, part of Melbourne's inner northern suburbs.

This position will form part of the highly motivated Executive Team of VACCHO and head up one of the newly formed units within the organisation redesign. You will be responsible for the implementation and transition to the new structure and play a key role in the change management process underpinning successful change. 

The Research and Policy Unit leads the development of well-reasoned, evidence-based policy and advocacy to ensure that VACCHO and its members are strategically positioned to improve the Aboriginal community's health and wellbeing outcomes.

Some of your key areas of accountability will include:

  • Leading and implementing the VACCHO data and research strategy to expand the organisation's data collection and support data sovereignty;
  • Supporting and implementing a collaborative approach with Members and key stakeholders that results in more strategic use, interpretation and analysis of meaningful data within the sector; and
  • Developing a strategy to ensure all VACCHO policy position statements and advocacy are informed by evidence-based practice, knowledge and research.

This is an Aboriginal Designated Position, classified under 'special measures' of section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

To view the Position Description with the full role overview and list of accountabilities, please click here.

About You

To be considered for this position you will need to hold tertiary qualifications in public health, research, policy or related fields, and ideally have a background in the Aboriginal health, public health, or government-related sectors.

Demonstrated experience developing and implementing high-level strategic policies, or in qualitative and quantitative research, data collection, and analysis will be essential, as will exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship building skills, underpinned by a proven ability to develop clear and considered advocacy strategies.

A critical component of this role will be previous experience in leadership and staff management gained at a senior level. You will drive a more collaborative and streamlined service delivery and team cohesiveness, in order to translate research findings into practical solutions that strategically inform policy and program development.

To view the selection criteria for this position, please refer to the Position Description link above.

Please note: It is a requirement that all VACCHO employees undergo a National Police Clearance Check prior to commencement.

About the Benefits

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a newly created, Executive Leadership role within a well-respected centre of expertise, policy advice, training and innovation in Aboriginal health. With an organisational commitment to creating greater efficiencies, integration and responsiveness across core activities, this is the perfect time to join VACCHO and help shape the future of Aboriginal health in Victoria.

They are offering a highly attractive remuneration plus super, commensurate with the skills and experience that you are bringing to the role. 

You will also have access to a range of additional benefits including salary packaging (up to $15,999), additional annual leave, and a great work-life balance!

Located on Sackville Street in Collingwood, the VACCHO office is a close walk to Victoria Park station and tram stops as well as the cafes and great coffee spots on Smith Street and Brunswick Street.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity. If you want to be a part of the strategic decision making that will help close the gap in Aboriginal health in Victoria, Apply Now.

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