National Program Director, Inclusive Education Partnerships

Aspect; Australia; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional learning opportunities

Salary packaging options

Employee referral incentives

Discounts through Beny

Job summary

Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is seeking a Program Director for Positive Partnerships to lead national delivery of the program under a 2026–2029 contract. You will oversee strategic direction, governance and government relations to ensure outcomes for autistic students, families and educators.

You will build a high‑performing nationwide team, manage budgets, risks and reporting, and collaborate with government, education and community partners to advance evidence‑based practice and lived

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in education, health, business or a related discipline.
• Significant senior leadership experience managing complex programs, projects or service delivery portfolios.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and evaluating large‑scale initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across government, education and community sectors.
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical and communication skills, including experience preparing high‑level reports, briefings and presentations.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed teams and fostering high‑performing, inclusive workplace cultures.
• Understanding of contemporary, evidence‑informed approaches that support Autistic school‑age students, educators and families, including the value of lived experience and co‑design.
• Experience managing government‑funded programs, contracts or service delivery arrangements.
• Current driver's licence and willingness to undertake interstate travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for Positive Partnerships, ensuring delivery of contractual commitments, organisational priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing national team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.
• Act as Aspect’s senior relationship lead with the Australian Government Department of Education, maintaining strong partnerships and ensuring successful contract delivery.
• Oversee program governance, financial performance, workforce planning and resource allocation to achieve agreed objectives and maximise program impact.
• Identify and manage strategic, operational, financial and reputational risks, ensuring compliance with contractual, legislative and organisational requirements.
• Build and strengthen relationships across government, education, community and sector stakeholders to enhance engagement, influence and long‑term sustainability.
• Drive program quality, evaluation and innovation with evidence, data, Autistic perspectives and lived experience to inform decision‑making and continuous improvement.

Skills

Senior leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Dispersed teams leadership

Government-funded programs

Driver's license

Interstate travel

Education

Tertiary qualifications in education/health/business

Job description

Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is seeking a Program Director for Positive Partnerships to lead national delivery of the program under a 2026–2029 contract. You will oversee strategic direction, governance and government relations to ensure outcomes for autistic students, families and educators.

You will build a high‑performing nationwide team, manage budgets, risks and reporting, and collaborate with government, education and community partners to advance evidence‑based practice and lived