Director Central Australia Operations & Strategy – Alice Springs

• This is an identified position, open to First Nations applicants only.

Batchelor Institute is the only First Nations dual sector tertiary education provider in Australia. The Institute is uniquely positioned to recognise multiple ways of being, doing and knowing in the world. The Institute recognises the Sovereignty of multiple Nations and privilege the positioning of First Nations peoples as knowledge holders in all educational transactions with Western knowledge systems.

To play a key role in understanding of Council’s vision to enlist First Nation’s perspectives, philosophies and practices in all learning and teaching and operations of the Institute.

Primary Objective:

The Director will lead and enhance the lnstitute’s service delivery in Central Australia with a strong focus on establishing ‘best practice’ collaborative relationships with a range of other organisations and service providers in achieving this.

The position will be based at the Desert People Centre (DPC) in Alice Springs, and have responsibility for achieving excellence in delivery, management, coordination of Batchelor lnstitute’s core business in Vocational Education & Training, Tertiary Education and Research sectors in Central Australia.

The success of the position will be determined by the achievement of structured and planned growth in education and training delivery in the Central Region, efficiencies in campus operations, improved client focus and the establishment of a range of collaborative relationships aligned to key business areas, including key First Nations interest groups. The position is a member of the Bl Executive leadership team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Work collaboratively with the Chief Executive Officer and the ELAT to build organisational capability and effective communications designed to ensure service delivery within the Central Australian region is aligned to and integrated with the lnstitute’s policies and procedures and Strategic Plan, and the needs and priorities of the region.
2. Utilising the Desert Peoples Centre joint venture agreement, maximise the mutual benefit for the Batchelor Institute and Centre for Appropriate Technology by ensuring the provision of strategic input, coordinated joint business development and the implementation of agreed key initiatives.
3. Establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships and strategic alliances with First Nations communities and key First Nations organisations, Industry, government agencies, non-Government Organisations, Shires, Land Councils, Desert Knowledge Precinct tenants and other service providers including Remote Jobs and Communities programs to achieve improved business outcomes and business growth:
4. Support the lnstitute’s Tertiary Education and Research programs in Central Australia with a strong focus on increased student participation, tailored support and commensurate external funding.
5. In partnership with the Dean of Faculty Tertiary Education and Research, Director of VET Business Operations and the Deputy CEO, develop and manage the Remote Learning Centre’s strategy for targeted communities across Central Australia.
6. Ensure effective and efficient operations of campus and facilities management and all regional infrastructure and effectively manage the Alice Springs Campus budget.
7. Develop a strategic vision for an increased Institute presence in Central Australia including identifying and preparing tender/external funding submissions for future DPC campus additions.
8. Work closely with other Executive Members and contribute to the leadership and performance of the Institute through membership of the Executive Leadership Team.
9. Provide support to the Desert People’s Centre Board of Management as agreed with CFAT and represent Batchelor Institute in key forums.
10. Provide input on behalf of the Central Australian Campus into all Institute-wide decisions in relation to strategic planning, administration, operations and overall governance as appropriate.

Selection Criteria – Essential

1. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in culturally diverse teams within the social, political, and cultural environments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities and organisations.
2. Demonstrated high level capability in the efficient and effective management of fiscal and human resources to achieve organisational level outcomes and the ability to apply this to the Institute’ structure, functions and objectives.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to express ideas clearly and communicate with influence, both orally and in writing, along with highly developed negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
4. Demonstrated high levels of intercultural communication and the ability to work respectfully and effectively with First Nations organisations and clients.
5. Demonstrated success in creating collaborative and strategic partnerships as well as high level ability to build and maintain effective networks with a range of internal and external stakeholders to link strategy, policy, and operational activities.
6. Proven high level strategic management, analytical, risk management and project management skills in a multi-disciplinary environment and a record of achievement in delivering key projects and operational services.
7. Demonstrated entrepreneurial capability, specifically the ability to identify and convert strategic opportunities into demonstrable growth initiatives _that enhance the lnstitute’s standing and operational footprint.
8. Well-developed leadership skills and a proven ability to establish effective collaborative relationships to build organisational capability and responsiveness.
9. Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent professional experience in VET and/or Higher Education.
10. Demonstrated understanding of the diversity of Batchelor students and the complexity of their teaching and learning needs and contexts that impact their learning.
11. Sound knowledge of and commitment to WHS principles with a demonstrated ability to integrate and implement these at the strategic level.

Selection Criteria – Desirable

• Ability to quickly acquire knowledge of the Institute’s structure, functions and objectives.

Additional information:

This is an identified position, open to First Nations applicants only.

• Applicants must provide at least one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander referee.
• Copies of qualifications must be submitted.
• Applicants must have an Ochre Card and a current Police Check and/or the ability to obtain these prior to commencement.
• The COVID-19 Safety Management Plan and other COVID-19 related information Policy and Procedure require all Batchelor Institute workers to have had a third COVID-19 vaccination. Temporary or permanent exemptions apply in certain circumstances.
• Applicants must be able and willing to undertake travel throughout the NT and Interstate (sometimes as a light aircraft passenger) and possess a C class Driver’s Licence.

How to Apply

Your application should consist of:

• A completed application lodgement form, available from our website.
• Responses to the selection criteria.
• A resume.
• Please see the attachment below to download the full position description.

Please address your cover letter to the CEO Batchelor Institute, detailing why you wish to work at Batchelor Institute, and the attributes, skills and experience you would bring to the role.

Should you have any questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Mr David Cusack by email at [email protected], using the subject line: Director Central Australia Operations & Strategy – Alice Springs enquiry via EthicalJobs, or mobile phone 0498 512910.

To apply for this role, please visit the Recruitment page, and then submit applications via the instructions.