Director Languages

Full Job Description

Australian Institute of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Studies

Full time

$127,226 - $138,677 + 15.4% Superannuation

The AIATSIS Centre for Australian Languages (ACAL) sits within the Research and Education Group and undertakes community-based research and projects with the aim of supporting the active practice and strengthening of Indigenous languages. This includes projects to support language reawakening through access to archival materials, the documentation of languages supporting the production of materials such as dictionaries and assisting communities in achieving these goals. Our work is strongly community focused and supports Indigenous control of their languages and associated data. We take a national approach to understanding the situation and status of Indigenous languages and drawing on this we provide advice to governments on all aspects of language policy, projects and support.

About the Role
We are seeking a high performing and talented Research Director to lead the AIATSIS Centre for Australian Languages (ACAL). You will be part of the management team of the Research and Education Group, which provides leadership in research and ethical engagement and informs Indigenous and government decision-making and nation building.
Responsibilities of the role include

• leading a small team to design and undertake cutting edge community-based research and projects with the aim of supporting the active practice and strengthening of Indigenous languages.
• providing strategic direction to the team to create opportunities for knowledge exchange, develop rigorous data and evidence and provide critical advice to Indigenous peoples, governments, and others to strengthen the recognition, protection, and resurgence of Indigenous culture.
• develop and lead new projects and initiatives, which will diversify your work over time.
• provide intellectual leadership and develop the research capability across the group and contribute excellent research.
• work collaboratively across AIATSIS to strategically shape the organisation’s culture and future direction.
• contribute to problem solving across AIATSIS, which requires high level planning, management, and stakeholder engagement.

Cultural Capability
The ideal candidate will come with the following cultural capabilities:

• understands Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business within the agency and the outcomes the agency is responsible for delivering.
• understands the current issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with regard to Indigenous languages and the historical context of these issues.
• the ability to communicate respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, clients and colleagues.
• the capability to privilege Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ voices, experiences, and perspectives in their work. 

Our Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will come with the skills, experience and attributes shown below:

• demonstrated capability in strategic research leadership, including designing programs of work, working collaboratively across teams and organisations, building partnerships, and seeing projects through to completion.
• ability to lead and inspire a team through excellent people management, personal competence and drive, commitment to organisational culture and resilience and capability to manage change.
• experience in garnering and managing resources, including managing a budget, as well as reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
• strong understanding of ethical research practice and a demonstrated track record of high quality impactful research, program and/or policy design, which includes a record of published work or equivalent public sector contribution in a relevant area or discipline.
• capacity to communicate ideas with influence, adapt to audiences, develop strategic partnerships and manage stakeholders.
• suitable qualifications such as a postgraduate qualification in linguistics or a closely allied discipline, and a demonstrated interest in Australian Indigenous languages.

What we offer

We understand that you will work best when you have a healthy work-life balance and can attend to your family commitments. That is why we offer,

Great salary conditions including individual flexible salary arrangements (negotiated).

15.4% Superannuation

Competitive leave entitlements, including 20 days annual leave, 18 days personal leave, up to 14 weeks maternity leave and other parental leave, and the ability to purchase extra leave.

Paid leave during end of year shutdown

Health benefits including, reimbursements for health promotion activities, eye health and flu vaccinations.

Flexible working conditions

Opportunities for further education, professional development and study assistance will be available. You can also expect personal development planning activities and to work in a supportive learning environment.

This is an Affirmative Measures opportunity
This position will be filled using the Affirmative Measure provision, which allows for the targeted recruitment of Indigenous Australians into the Australian Public Service. The vacancy is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. The filling of this employment opportunity is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.

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