Program Director, Positive Partnerships

About the role

The Program Director, Positive Partnerships provides strategic leadership and overall accountability for delivering the Positive Partnerships program across the 2026–2029 contract period. This full‑time, maximum‑term role reports to senior leadership and works closely with Aspect’s internal teams and the Australian Government Department of Education.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction to ensure contractual commitments, organisational priorities and measurable outcomes are met.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing national team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.
• Act as senior relationship lead with the Australian Government Department of Education, maintaining strong partnerships and ensuring successful contract delivery.
• Oversee program governance, financial performance, workforce planning and resource allocation.
• Identify and manage strategic, operational, financial and reputational risks, ensuring compliance with contractual, legislative and organisational requirements.
• Build and strengthen relationships across government, education, community and sector stakeholders.
• Drive program quality, evaluation and innovation using evidence, data, autistic perspectives and lived experience.

Required profile

• Tertiary qualifications in education, health, business or a related discipline.
• Significant senior leadership experience managing complex programs, projects or service delivery portfolios.
• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and evaluating large‑scale initiatives with measurable outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills across government, education and community sectors.
• Excellent strategic thinking, analytical and communication skills, including high‑level reporting and presentation experience.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed teams and fostering inclusive workplace cultures.
• Understanding of evidence‑informed approaches that support autistic school‑age students, educators and families.
• Current driver’s licence and willingness to undertake interstate travel.

Required skills

• Experience managing government‑funded programs, contracts or service delivery arrangements.
• Current Working with Children Check and National Police Check (paid by employee and Aspect respectively).

What we offer

• Ongoing professional learning opportunities for advancement.
• Competitive total remuneration package with salary packaging options.
• Employee referral incentives.
• Discounts through Beny on everyday purchases.
• Discounted membership to fitness facilities via Fitness Passport.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and families.