Assistant Director, Indigenous Electoral Participation Program – Affirmative Measures Position

The Team

As a member of the Australian Electoral Commission’s (AEC’s) Indigenous Electoral Participation Program, you will have a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with colleagues to lead and influence initiatives that identify and address barriers to First Nations electoral participation.

Our team works in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to improve access to electoral services and strengthen participation in Australia’s democratic processes. Through your knowledge, expertise and leadership, you will help the AEC deliver more accessible, inclusive and culturally responsive electoral services.

You will use evidence, insights and best practice to develop and maintain key resources, support legislative and policy development, and contribute to the AEC’s commitment to continuous improvement. As a member of the Branch Leadership Team, you will help shape strategic priorities, foster a proactive and curious culture, and champion service design and human-centred approaches that improve outcomes for the communities we serve.

The Opportunity

This role is an Affirmative Measures position, specifically designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, therefore this vacancy is only open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In this role, you will lead strategic initiatives for the Indigenous Electoral Participation Program, including driving the AEC’s alignment with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and its Priority Reforms. You will analyse data and insights to inform strategic decision-making and reporting, while leading and supporting a geographically dispersed team.

You will build and maintain effective relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, represent the agency in a variety of forums, and communicate the AEC’s position on complex issues. The role requires occasional travel, including to regional and remote locations.

To excel you’ll have:

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and a strong commitment to working harmoniously within a team to achieve positive results and support the AEC’s strategic direction.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
• Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in contributing to the development, implementation and evaluation of agency policy.
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, exercise sound judgement and collaborate to achieve strategic outcomes.
• Experience managing competing priorities and delivering quality outcomes within tight timeframes.
• Proven ability to communicate with influence, negotiate outcomes and manage complex stakeholder relationships to achieve strategic outcomes, including across geographically dispersed networks.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage staff through change while fostering a positive team culture, developing capability and supporting professional growth.

Desirable

• Relevant qualifications in Indigenous Studies, Community Engagement, Education, Public Policy or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly acquire knowledge of, relevant legislation, government programs and public policy frameworks.

Eligibility

• AEC employees must be Australian citizens.
• Any person who is, and seen to be active in political affairs, and intends to publicly carry on this activity, may compromise the strict neutrality of the AEC and cannot be considered.
• Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain a character clearance.
• Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain the security clearance required for this role.

Contact: Kaye Bartlett, [email protected] (02 5137 2055)

Due Date: Friday, 14 August 2026, 11:59pm AEST