Program Director – Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion (CoEDI)

The Gordon; Geelong; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gordon seeks a Program Director for the Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion (CoEDI) to establish and lead a nationally significant center. You will shape national practice, build partnerships across government, industry and education, and translate lived experience into improved education and employment outcomes for people with disability.

You will report to the Executive Director – Growth and Student Experience, oversee funded programs, governance, budgets and evaluation, and

Qualifications

• Senior leader with track record in complex, public-facing programs.

Responsibilities

• Set and execute the Centre’s strategic direction and priorities.
• Build and lead the program team and partnerships.
• Oversee governance, budgets, risk and evaluation to ensure funded program success.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic planning

Governance & reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

Program Director – Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion (CoEDI)

• Establish and lead a nationally significant Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion
• Shape national practice and drive system-wide change across vocational education and training
• Turn innovation and lived experience into better education and employment opportunities

About The Gordon

The Gordon is a dynamic and inclusive organisation and a thriving community where people connect and work together to inspire students. With a strong commitment to creating the future, The Gordon provides a rich and rewarding environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

At The Gordon, everyone is welcomed, valued and empowered to make a difference. Its culture is underpinned by the values We are The Gordon, We bring our best, We create the future and We are student minded, which guide how its people work, make decisions and support its students.

Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion

Supported by a $36 million Victorian Government investment, The Gordon’s Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion (CoEDI) is a major initiative to improve access, participation and success in vocational education and employment for people with disability. With a purpose-built facility at The Gordon’s Geelong City Campus expected to open in 2027, the Centre brings together students, TAFEs, government, industry and community partners to address systemic barriers and strengthen inclusive practice. People with lived experience of disability are central to its design and delivery, ensuring their expertise shapes its priorities and approaches.

The Centre will develop, test and share practical approaches to inclusive teaching and assessment, accessible learning environments and technology, workforce capability and transitions into employment. Combining applied research, innovation and knowledge sharing, it will help embed lasting improvements across The Gordon and the broader TAFE network. This work is already progressing through the Geelong Inclusive Employment Compact, bringing together the TAC, WorkSafe Victoria, the NDIA and Barwon Health to strengthen pathways from training into meaningful work.

About the Program Director Role

This is a rare opportunity to establish and lead a nationally significant Centre of Excellence and help shape the future of disability inclusion across vocational education and training. As Program Director, you will set the Centre’s direction from the outset, build its team and partnerships, and position it as a trusted national leader in inclusive education and employment practice.

Working alongside people with lived experience, you will translate innovation into practical approaches that TAFEs and employers can adopt. You will connect government, education, industry, research and disability sector partners around shared priorities, influence national practice and drive system-wide change that expands opportunities for people with disability.

Reporting to the Executive Director – Growth and Student Experience, you will lead the Centre’s strategy and delivery, with accountability for funded programs, governance, budgets, risk and evaluation.

About You

You are an accomplished senior leader who sees the potential to change how vocational education and employment work for people with disability. You bring the vision to establish a Centre with national influence and the practical leadership to turn that ambition into lasting outcomes.

You have led complex programs, Centres, reform initiatives or portfolios, combining strategic planning, sound governance and delivery. You build trusted relationships across organisational boundaries, navigate complex government environments and bring partners together to influence organisational, system or sector-wide change.

Your commitment to inclusion is evident in how you lead and engage people with lived experience through co-design and consultation. You have built effective multidisciplinary teams, managed budgets, risks and competing priorities, and provided clear advice and reporting to executives, boards and funding bodies.

Knowledge of disability inclusion policy and practice, and experience in vocational education and training, tertiary education or another complex public-purpose environment, will be highly regarded. Experience establishing a new function, program or operating model, and working with government funding arrangements, would also be valuable.

A relevant postgraduate qualification and/or equivalent executive leadership experience is required.

Hazel Executive & Boards is pleased to be partnering with The Gordon on the search and appointment of this Program Director – Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion (CoEDI) opportunity.

Hazel acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work and pays respect to Elders past and present. Hazel is committed to equal opportunity and to championing diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility and accessibility in all executive appointments. If you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you.

Applications close Sunday 8 November 2026 at 11:59pm