Saes1 Assistant Director, Aboriginal Education

**Department for Education**
**Job reference**: 660435
**Location**: 5007 - HINDMARSH
**Job status**: Long Term Contract
**Eligibility**: Open to Everyone

**The Department for Education is seeking a passionate and dynamic leader to join their team as Aboriginal Education, Assistant Director.**

**This is your opportunity to shape a more culturally responsive education system while directly contributing to our Aboriginal Education Strategy, Stretch RAP commitments, and Closing the Gap targets.**

**If you're ready to transform education through powerful collaboration with schools, communities and stakeholders, this role is for you.**

**_This is an identified role, per the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA) meaning this position is only open to people of an_** **_Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin._**

**In this role you will**:

- Connect staff with Aboriginal Education policy to ensure seamless information flow.
- Lead staff to improve learning outcomes for Aboriginal students through system-wide change.
- Bridge policy development and operational implementation.
- Develop partnerships to enhance Aboriginal student engagement, literacy, numeracy, and SACE completion.
- Build relationships creating inclusive environments that respect Aboriginal knowledge and cultures.
- Provide educational advice supporting Aboriginal children's individual learning needs and potential.

**Why work with us**:
Every child and young person deserves a great education.

We have a strategy that aims to unlock every child’s potential now and into the future, one that in partnership with learners, students, parents, and the wider South Australian community will build a world-leading public education system. One that is equitable and prioritises learning and wellbeing.

Together we will make our education system the best it can be.

When our children and young people thrive, so do our communities and our state.

**About the role**:
The Assistant Director, Aboriginal Education supports the Director, Aboriginal Education in providing strategic policy leadership and operational direction to enhance outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people while fostering a culturally responsive organisation. This role drives reform initiatives within the Aboriginal Education Directorate, ensuring Aboriginal voices, knowledge, and cultures are embedded across all aspects of South Australia’s public education system.

The Assistant Director plays a key operational role in implementing policies, overseeing programs, and collaborating with schools, communities, and stakeholders to improve learning experiences and engagement for Aboriginal students. Additionally, the position ensures alignment with the Aboriginal Education Strategy 2019-2029, the Stretch RAP 2023-2026, the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, and the Strategy for Public Education in South Australia, strengthening representation, engagement, and celebration of Aboriginal students, families, and communities.

**About you**:

- Proven ability to lead initiatives enhancing educational outcomes for Aboriginal children through system-wide change.
- Ability to design culturally responsive strategies and provide project leadership to improve Aboriginal learner outcomes.
- Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal Education issues, cultural contexts and relevant government policies.
- Ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders using strong communication skills and cultural awareness.
- Proven delivery of high-quality strategic advice while managing complex priorities with cultural sensitivity. Capability to lead change in politically sensitive environments with respect for Aboriginal voices and perspectives.
- **Essential qualifications and competencies**:

- The Department for Education considers that being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational requirement for this position under subsection 56(2) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA).
- An appropriate tertiary qualification including post-graduate qualifications in an appropriate discipline desirable or relevant experience.
- Experience leading in a large and complex organisation at an executive level, ensuring the translation of priorities into executed deliverables.

**What you will get in return**:

- A three year executive contract.
- Lead strategy and business outcomes within one of SA’s biggest departments Be a part of a forward-thinking and dynamic team and enjoy a supportive and collaborative work environment.
- **Special Conditions**:
The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry. The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN -EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course which will be required to be updated every three yea