Director, Indigenous Electoral Participation Program

About the role

The AEC's Indigenous Electoral Participation Program (IEPP) is a large team of engagement and governance personnel and in-community staff working closely with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. It integrates enrolment and electoral conversations into community service delivery, education, employment programs, youth activities and community gatherings. This is an Affirmative Measures position open only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As national Director, you will oversee a geographically dispersed workforce and in-community staff, and help make Australian elections more accessible and inclusive.

Key responsibilities

• Build on the AEC's work supporting electoral participation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Use insights from partners and staff to drive the program's long-term vision and remove barriers to participation.
• Establish, maintain and strengthen strategic partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Indigenous corporations, land councils, peak bodies, service providers and government agencies.
• Drive the use of quantitative and qualitative evidence, including stories of change, place-based indicators and data, aligned with governance principles.
• Contribute as a member of the Branch and AEC Leadership Teams, keeping the branch strategically focused and championing service design and human-centred outcomes.

Required profile

• Extensive experience building and sustaining relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with their perspectives central to AEC work.
• Ability to communicate genuinely with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and build trust through authentic, consistent leadership.
• Proven ability to advise, report and represent the AEC to the Senior Executive cohort and the Electoral Commissioner.
• Experience developing, implementing and evaluating agency policy, and managing staff through change while supporting career development.
• Eligibility: AEC employees must be Australian citizens; applicants must consent to and obtain character and security clearance.

Desirable: qualifications in Indigenous studies or community engagement/education, and knowledge of relevant legislation, programs and policies. Applications close on 28 October 2026.