Director, First Nations Programs, Inclusion, News and Media Diversity, Affirmative Measures, First Nations in Canberra

The Consumer Safeguards, Media and Connectivity Division (CSMCD) is at the centre of developing policy and programs to ensure all Australians have access to safe and reliable connectivity and communications services, as well as ensuring the diversity of Australia’s media landscape. We also focus on digital inclusion for Australia’s First Nations communities.

The Inclusion, News and Media Diversity Branch in CSMCD is looking for a high-performing Director to lead our First Nations Programs team responsible for the delivery of First Nations digital inclusion measures, recommended by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (the Advisory Group) and funded in the 2024-25 Budget, and coordination of departmental work related to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap – Target 17, Outcome 17 and Priority Reforms.

The First Nations Programs team has been established to take forward delivery of the First Nations digital inclusion Budget measures, including $20 million to deliver free community Wi-Fi in remote communities through a contestable program, $6 million towards improving the national collection of data on First Nations digital inclusion, and $22 million to establish a First Nations Digital Support Hub ($4 million) and a Network of Digital Mentors ($18 million).

Our work is supported by the Digital Inclusion team in the branch which has primary responsibility for providing policy and secretariat support to the Advisory Group, as well as oversight of digital inclusion policy, and digital inclusion initiatives for First Nations people consistent with achieving Target 17, which aims for equal levels of digital inclusion for First Nations people by 2026.

What you will do

• Provide strong, collaborative and supportive leadership within your section and the branch.
• Lead in the development, implementation and delivery of policy and programs to support First Nations digital inclusion and Closing the Gap Outcome 17 and Target 17 objectives.
• Support the work of other sections across the branch on First Nations digital inclusion initiatives, including the team responsible for the secretariat function of the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group.
• Undertake research and analysis on priority issues, particularly those affecting First Nations people.
• Develop persuasive communications materials, including written reports, briefing papers, speech inputs and discussion papers.
• Lead on and assist with project strategy, planning, implementation and coordination.
• Undertake stakeholder engagement, including close collaboration with agencies and colleagues across the public service, state and territory governments, industry and First Nations communities.
• Work closely with the Advisory Group and communities to maximise the outcomes and benefits of funded initiatives for First Nations people.
• Develop and assist with formal advice to the Executive and Government, such as Cabinet submissions and proposals for new policies and programs.

Inherent requirements for the role

• Strategic capability: Strong experience in leading policy reform and program delivery, with the ability to drive the development and implementation of improved socio-economic outcomes for First Nations people.
• Negotiation and collaboration: Proven high-level negotiation skills with the capability to partner with internal and external stakeholders.
• Reporting and governance: Strong analytical capacity to coordinate reporting across First Nations programs.
• Communication and influence: Superior written and oral communication skills, with a track record of producing high-level executive briefings.
• People and culture leadership: Proven capacity to lead teams with commitment, taking responsibility for shaping team culture and developing staff capability.

Experience in the telecommunications sector would be considered highly favourable, including an understanding of telecommunications networks and technologies such as community Wi-Fi and broadband network architectures and services.

Cultural capability requirement

The department believes every role contributes to cultural safety and that building staff cultural capability helps us deliver better policies, programs and services for First Nations people and the broader Australian community. Candidates will be required to demonstrate their willingness to develop their cultural capability as part of the assessment process.

As an EL2 you will be expected to:

• Provide strategic leadership to embed cultural capability across programs, policies or functions.
• Influence senior leaders on culturally informed approaches.
• Drive partnerships and co-design with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities where applicable or appropriate.

Eligibility requirements

This is an Affirmative Measures vacancy – This vacancy is open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
• Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Level.
• Police check: The successful candidate must complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
• Integrity and Performance check: The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check which is completed by your most recent employer.