Executive Lead, Closing the Gap & First Nations Policy

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; Alice Springs; On-site; AUD 129,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is seeking an EL1 leader to guide implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and provide strategic, evidence-based policy advice to senior leadership. You will foster partnerships with First Nations stakeholders and drive reforms across DEWR, ensuring strong governance, monitoring and reporting capabilities.

You will report to the Director, lead high‑level advisory work, mentor staff, and influence cross‑government

Qualifications

• Leading projects and work programs that support implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and DEWR's Closing the Gap commitments
• Providing strategic and evidence-based advice to senior leaders on policy, program and organisational reform issues affecting First Nations peoples
• Supporting DEWR business areas to implement Priority Reforms and embed culturally responsive and partnership-based approaches across DEWR
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with internal stakeholders and acting as a trusted business partner to support organisational change
• Identifying emerging issues, risks and opportunities and providing practical recommendations to support decision‑making
• Contributing to cross-government initiatives and collaborating with the National Indigenous Australians Agency, central agencies and other departments to share better practice approaches
• Leading monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities, including preparation of high-quality briefings, submissions and governance reporting
• Supporting and mentoring team members, sharing knowledge and contributing to a positive and inclusive team culture.

Responsibilities

• Leading projects and work programs that support implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and DEWR's Closing the Gap commitments
• Providing strategic and evidence-based advice to senior leaders on policy, program and organisational reform issues affecting First Nations peoples
• Supporting DEWR business areas to implement Priority Reforms and embed culturally responsive and partnership-based approaches across DEWR
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with internal stakeholders and acting as a trusted business partner to support organisational change
• Identifying emerging issues, risks and opportunities and providing practical recommendations to support decision‑making
• Contributing to cross-government initiatives and collaborating with the National Indigenous Australians Agency, central agencies and other departments to share better practice approaches
• Leading monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities, including preparation of high-quality briefings, submissions and governance reporting
• Supporting and mentoring team members, sharing knowledge and contributing to a positive and inclusive team culture.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Tools

Monitoring & reporting tools

Job description

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations is seeking an EL1 leader to guide implementation of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and provide strategic, evidence-based policy advice to senior leadership. You will foster partnerships with First Nations stakeholders and drive reforms across DEWR, ensuring strong governance, monitoring and reporting capabilities.

You will report to the Director, lead high‑level advisory work, mentor staff, and influence cross‑government