Senior Director | Full-time Temporary

Australian Capital Territory; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

ACT Government in Canberra seeks a Senior Director to lead the Secretariat supporting the Board of Inquiry into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths in custody. The role focuses on governance, stakeholder engagement and strategic advice to ensure effective operation of the Inquiry.

You will oversee budgets, procurement, logistics and administrative services, coordinating hearings and timelines across multiple agencies and partners in a culturally safe framework.

Qualifications

• Strong project, governance and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in complex, sensitive and high-profile environments.
• Sound judgement and excellent communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Secretariat supporting the Board of Inquiry.
• Plan and coordinate Board activities, manage resources and budgets.
• Oversee procurement, contract management and admin support.
• Coordinate hearings and stakeholder engagement throughout the Inquiry lifecycle.
• Provide strategic advice and lead research and analysis.
• Direct supervision of staff.

Skills

Leadership

Governance

Stakeholder management

Project management

Communication

Cultural capability

Job description

Details: The ACT Government is seeking a highly motivated Senior Director to lead the Secretariat supporting the Board of Inquiry 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.

The Senior Director will lead and manage the Secretariat, ensuring the Board of Inquiry is supported by high-quality operational, governance and administrative arrangements. The role is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Secretariat, including planning and coordinating Board activities, managing resources and budgets, overseeing procurement and contract management, and ensuring appropriate logistical, ICT, accommodation and administrative support is in place.

The position will work closely with the Board, government agencies, service providers, community stakeholders and other parties to facilitate the effective operation of the Inquiry. The Senior Director will provide strategic advice, lead research and analysis activities, coordinate hearings, meetings and stakeholder engagement activities, and oversee the delivery of Secretariat functions throughout the Inquiry lifecycle.

The successful applicant will have strong project, governance and stakeholder management skills and a demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex, sensitive and high-profile environments. The role requires sound judgement, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver outcomes within tight timeframes.

The Board of Inquiry will operate in a culturally safe and trauma-informed manner. The successful applicant will demonstrate cultural capability and an ability to work respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, Elders and Traditional Custodians. The Senior Director will work closely with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Advisor to ensure cultural perspectives are appropriately incorporated into the Board's operations, engagement activities and work practices.

This role includes the direct supervision of staff.

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 willdemonstratecultural capability when engaging with community, Elders and Traditional Custodians and other Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Note: This position will commence immediately for a period of eight months 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.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal .

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Note

This position will commence immediately for a period of eight months 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.