Executive Branch Manager, Board Of Inquiry Secretariat

Council Jobs; Canberra; On-site; AUD 297,000 - 306,000; Full time

Job summary

ACT Government in Canberra is seeking an exceptional leader for the Executive Branch Manager, Board of Inquiry Secretariat into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody. You will lead a small Secretariat, providing strategic, operational and administrative support to enable the Inquiry’s effective conduct.

You will oversee delivery of the Secretariat's work program, ensure Board Members have timely access to information, evidence, legal advice and resources, and work with

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership of a small team delivering complex programs.
• Strong policy analysis and research skills with public sector experience.
• Proven ability to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities respectfully.

Responsibilities

• Provide impartial leadership of the Secretariat and high-quality advice to the Board.
• Oversee the Secretariat's work program, research, stakeholder engagement and operations.
• Coordinate access to information, evidence and legal resources for Board Members.
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders and supervise staff.

Skills

Leadership

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Communication

Cultural humility

Education

Public administration degree

Job description

Executive Branch Manager, Board Of Inquiry Secretariat

Classification: Executive Level 1.4
Position No: E1294
Directorate: Justice and Community Safety
Advertised (Gazettal date): 15 October 2026
Contact Officer: Robyn Hakelis on*************@act.gov.auor(02) 6207 9***

Details: The ACT Government is seeking an exceptional leader for the position of Executive Branch Manager, Board of Inquiry (EBM BOI) Secretariat into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody at the Alexander Maconochie Centre. Established under the Inquiries Act 1991, the Board of Inquiry will examine systemic issues relating to the deaths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in custody at the Alexander Maconochie Centre. A small Secretariat will support the Board by providing strategic, operational and administrative support to enable the effective conduct of the Inquiry.

As EBM you will provide impartial and professional leadership of the Secretariat, ensuring the Board receives high-quality advice, research, operational support and administrative services. You will oversee the delivery of the Secretariat's work program, ensuring Board Members have timely access to the information, evidence, legal advice and resources required to fulfil their responsibilities. Leading a small, high-performing team, you will be responsible for research, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, project management and operational coordination activities supporting the Inquiry. You will work closely with Board Members, legal representatives, government agencies, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, and other key stakeholders to support the successful delivery of the Inquiry.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to an inquiry of significant public importance. The role requires exceptional leadership, judgement and communication skills, together with the ability to navigate complex, sensitive and high-profile issues with professionalism, integrity and cultural humility. The successful applicant will demonstrate a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice issues and the factors affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Experience leading culturally safe engagement and building trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders will be highly regarded. This position includes direct supervision of staff.

In addition, commencing 1 July 2026 Senior Executive Service (SES) Members must do their job in accordance with the closing the gap principle. Further information about the closing the gap principle is included in section 8(4) of the Public Sector Management Act

Eligibility/Other Requirements: This position has a strong focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcomes and requires a demonstrated understanding of historical and contemporary cultural contexts, specifically with respect to the ACT context. You will demonstrate cultural capability when engaging with community, Elders and Traditional Custodians and other Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. The ACT Government is committed to ensuring the Board of Inquiry is culturally safe, community focused, and grounded in Aboriginal and Torres Strait perspectives. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Note: This position will commence as soon as possible and is available for the duration of the Board of Inquiry, including decommissioning. The Inquiry is expected to start in February 2027 with a report due to the Government by the end of August 2027.

Remuneration: The position attracts a remuneration package ranging from $296,877 - $306,035 depending on current superannuation arrangements of the successful applicant. This includes a cash component of $261,668.

Contract: The successful applicant will be engaged under a short-term contract for a period of up to two years.