Overview

The Executive Officer of NATSILS has a demonstrated commitment to social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and provides high quality leadership support services to the Co-Chairpersons of NATSILS and to the NATSILS members, as well as leading and managing the NATSILS staff.

The Executive Officer:

• Works closely with the NATSILS Co-Chairs, drives the leadership, strategy, vision and implementation of NATSILS’ five year Strategic Plan, ensures strategic outcomes are designed, achieved and evaluated;
• Leads operational and financial management, governance, risk management and reporting of the organisation;
• Supports the Co-Chairs to lead on advocacy for justice, equality, legal and human rights issues including leading policy, campaign and law reform development and NATSILS’ participation in national media, coalitions, consultations and campaigns;
• Drives best practice, collaboration and problem solving for the needs of NATSILS’ members including culturally safe service delivery, policy and law reform, and governance across the ATSILS;
• Fosters partnerships and relationships with First Nations communities, stakeholders in the NGO, legal sector, government and philanthropy sectors;
• Builds strong communication across the ATSILS, with our communities and the broader legal services sector.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the NATSILS staff, work and development.
• Assist Co-chairs with implementing NATSILS strategic priorities and campaigns, reporting and impact evaluation.
• Maintain knowledge on current justice, human rights and discrimination issues, relevant Australian and international policy, law and human rights developments.
• Develop and implement strategies for policy, research, campaigns, messaging, government relations, funding and advocacy to achieve change on priorities and solutions to end to injustices, racism and over-incarceration in the justice system for First Nations people.
• Oversee legal research and prepare high quality briefing papers, report, submissions and speeches for NATSILS.
• Develop and maintain NATSILS governance, policies, procedures and administrative documents such as membership lists and guidelines for the NATSILS.
• Oversee the coordination of NATSILS Your Story Disability Legal Support Service to the Royal Commission, including reporting and finance, and as a member of the Steering Committee.
• Demonstrate oral and written communication skills, including writing for a range of purposes and audiences, public speaking and media (where appropriate).
• Build strong connections and positive working relationships with NATSILS members, Government representatives and other key stakeholders, including peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and philanthropic stakeholders, including to support capacity building and sector development activities and to develop partnerships.
• Act as a conduit, via the Co-Chairs, to NATSILS to lead networking, external partnership development and capacity building initiatives in accordance with strategic direction.
• Provide strategic advice to the Co-chairs of NATSILS including project planning, management and reporting, and deliver agreed communications to the broader community.
• Organise, attend and present at regional, interstate and international forums as directed.
• Provide high quality NATSILS representation on steering committees, coalitions and when consulting with external stakeholders.
• Oversee the coordination of the NATSILS Law Reform and Policy Officer Network, coordination of national teleconferences, NATSILS member Forums, other meetings and activities to support collaboration by NATSILS members, including administrative support and chairing meetings as required

Key Selection Criteria

• Knowledge: knowledge and in-depth understanding of the social and legal (criminal and civil) issues faced by members of the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.
• Values: an alignment to the values and vision of NATSILS through a demonstrated appreciation of and sensitivity to the challenges our community members face and continue to face in their right for justice and equity.
• Cultural capability: understanding of the histories, cultures, languages, traditions of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples; ability to work effectively and respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, organisations, communities.
• Relationships: proven expertise building relationships, driving partnerships and networking between varied stakeholders on shared collaborative projects and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Management and governance: Managing a team effectively, implementing strong cultural governance and operational management including managing financial budgets and government reporting.
• Project management: demonstrated experience in project management, including experience working in the area of legal assistance, research, communications or campaigning on collaborative projects.
• Research and writing: demonstrated ability to conduct high level research and writing, analyse complex information from a range of sources and mediums, contributing to law reform and justice advocacy.
• Flexibility: preparedness to work irregular hours and a willingness to travel and present research,

Qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor of laws (or relevant degree) or experience with relevant legal background;
• Minimum three years’ experience working in:
  • strategic development of national or state law and policy matters; or
  • a senior executive, policy or legal role at an ATSILS, in the Legal Assistance Sector or in an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation.

A position description is attached.