Chief - Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships

at; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A public entity focused on education and community support is seeking a Chief – Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships to guide long-term direction and drive innovation. The ideal candidate will possess senior executive experience in strategy and transformation, as well as expertise in digital governance. This role plays a crucial part in facilitating access to education and employment for refugees and migrants. Applications are open until 10 PM on Thursday, 4 December 2025.

Qualifications

• Senior executive experience in strategy, transformation, or digital portfolios.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders effectively.
• Deep understanding of migration, multiculturalism, employment, education or community service systems.

Responsibilities

• Guide long-term direction and drive innovation.
• Build high-value partnerships across various sectors.
• Lead digital transformation and data governance.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Senior executive experience

Digital governance expertise

Stakeholder influence

Knowledge of migration systems

Job description

Chief – Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships

Public Entity Senior Executive Service Level 2

Lead AMES Australia into its next decade of impact, innovation and inclusion

For over 70 years, AMES Australia has supported refugees and migrants to build their futures. As communities, policy and technology rapidly evolve, we are seeking a strategic, imaginative and influential executive to help shape what comes next.

About the Role

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief – Strategy, Innovation & Partnerships will sit at the centre of AMES’ strategic vision and organisational evolution. You will guide long‑term direction, drive innovation and digital transformation, and build high‑value partnerships across government, industry, philanthropy, technology and community sectors. The position is classified at the Public Entity Senior Executive Service Level 2 (PESES‑2) and is being offered on a full‑time maximum basis for three years.

What You Will Lead

• Strategic direction: multi‑year strategy and long‑term roadmap
• Innovation & transformation: modern service design and evidence‑based improvement
• Digital leadership: cybersecurity, data governance, ICT and AI integration
• Research, policy & influence: advocacy and sector leadership
• Partnerships: powerful alliances across government, corporates, international and community organisations
• Enterprise leadership: alignment, collaboration and performance across portfolios

Who You Are

You are a strategic thinker with a systems mindset, able to anticipate change and navigate complexity with confidence. You bring senior executive experience in strategy, transformation or digital portfolios; strong digital and ICT governance expertise; the ability to influence senior stakeholders; and a deep understanding of migration, multiculturalism, employment, education or community service systems. Your leadership is grounded in innovation, inclusion and purpose.

Why This Role Matters

Your work will shape how refugees and migrants access education, employment, digital services and community participation, and influence national conversations, partnerships and systems.

Join Us

If you are ready to lead boldly – balancing strategic depth with creative thinking – we invite you to apply.

Submit your CV and a cover letter that demonstrates your alignment to the knowledge, skills and executive capabilities required for this role, including your experience across strategy, innovation, digital leadership, partnerships and sector influence, as outlined in the position description.

Applications for this position will be accepted up to 10 PM on Thursday, 4 December 2025, however interviews and/or other selection processes may commence as suitable applications are received.

About us

AMES Australia is a statutory authority which specialises in the delivery of education, training, employment, settlement and community services to a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) client base.

AMES Australia is committed to achieving a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and people with disabilities.

AMES Australia is an Equal Opportunity Employer and abides by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Applicants must have the right to work in Australia. All offers of employment are subject to a satisfactory police check and provision of a current Working with Children Check (where required for position).

AMES Australia's Values include: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership, Human Rights.