• Based in Brisbane, Australia
• Full-time, permanent opportunity
• Leadership role in Digital Design in a NFP environment
• Salary range approx. AUD 130-150k dependent on skills and experience

About us

Catalpa is a global development organisation improving the lives of people. We design creative ways to tackle diverse problems, integrating technology and behavioural insights with locally-driven solutions.

Catalpa is leading the sector in digital impact and digitally-enabled programs across the Asia Pacific region. We partner with governments and organisations to strengthen service delivery, enhance oversight, and implement systems to improve the lives of people and communities. Check us out at www.catalpa.io.

With deep experience in international development practice, digital transformation, and software development, we’re bringing together the skills needed to create meaningful impact in a modern, digitised, interconnected world. Our work is innovative, one-of-a-kind, and pretty cool, honestly.

About the opportunity

Catalpa is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Digital Design, to be based in Brisbane, to lead our digital design team. The key focus for our Head of Digital Design will drive innovative, user-centric digital programs and services, while fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration within the organisation.

This role requires strategic leadership, innovative problem-solving, and expertise in human-centred design (HCD). The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing digital transformation strategies, designing cutting-edge digital programs, and managing a high-performing team of Product Leads, Designers, and Digital Consultants.

As the Head of Digital Design your key focus will be to provide leadership to our project teams that inspires and drives our teams to create innovative, user-centric digital programs and services. Leading a small team, you will foster a culture of creativity and collaboration at Catalpa, echoing the principles of human centred design that are core to our approach.

This is a senior leadership role reporting directly to a Catalpa Director. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll contribute to shaping Catalpa’s strategic direction and culture, championing our values through fostering an innovative and people focused environment.

Key areas of responsibility will include:

• Digital design leadership, including developing and leading Catalpa’s digital development portfolio, supporting the implementation and performance of digital focused development programs in an Agile environment.
• Champion the implementation of human-centred design (HCD) principles across all Catalpa initiatives. This involves driving strategic leadership in applying HCD and co-design methodologies, meticulously adapted to the Pacific and South East Asia region.
• Spearhead digital design processes to unearth opportunities where digital technology can magnify the impact of our development programs. Lead the translation of these insights into practical, innovative design strategies that resonate with our partners' needs.
• Collaborate with program managers, technology teams, and other stakeholders to design digitally enabled programs and services, that strengthen partner service delivery, and deliver social benefit.
• Provide comprehensive support in the preparation of bids and grant applications.
• Lead a small and talented team of Product, UX/UI and Graphic Design Leads.
• As a key member of the Management team, you'll contribute to shaping the organisation's strategic direction and culture, championing our values through fostering an inclusive and positive environment.

What we’re looking for

Specifically we’re looking for a seasoned leader in digital design in the international development context in the Asia Pacific region. This role calls for proven leadership and experience in design thinking and practical execution to drive digital innovation across Catalpa’s programs.

You’ll have:

• Deep expertise in delivering digital solutions or ICT project management in the international development/social impact context, gained through hands-on experience both in strategic and senior leadership roles.
• Significant work background with at least 10+ years of relevant professional experience in the Asia Pacific region. A relevant degree is an added advantage. Past work with government and/or donors is a must.
• Proven track record of driving innovation through human centred design, leading product development, and fostering impactful stakeholder partnerships.
• At least 5 years experience working in product management ideally in an Agile environment
• Experience in planning and executing strategies, as well as managing a complex portfolio
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-disciplinary teams and foster collaboration.
• Great communication skills. You have the ability to present to a boardroom, a small NGO, as well as the people they aim to serve. You also have strong written communication skills.
• A growth mindset, driven by a passion for transforming challenges into opportunities for meaningful change.
• Inspirational leadership qualities that empower teams, embrace challenges, and deliver measurable value.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written in English, and ideally Tetun and Portuguese - you’ll need experience preparing program reports using a consultative and analytical approach
• Most importantly, you should be passionate about your work and excel in an environment filled with both challenges and opportunities.

Eligibility

We love working with smart people from diverse backgrounds who are willing to learn new things. There are many skills we think this job will make use of but feel free to apply even if you’re not a ‘perfect fit’.

Work environment

We work in a creative, supportive environment with colleagues who come from diverse walks of life, and we value the perspectives they bring. We pay attention to the details, and we work together to achieve the best we can. Importantly, we work here because we love what we do and the impact we can have.

We know people’s lives include many obligations outside of work, so we aim to create a flexible work environment that includes remote work options, generous family leave, and return-to-work policies to support new parents. We know we do our best work when we take care of ourselves and communities. We take two weeks off at the end of each year to recharge and refresh.

Fit

Catalpa staff believe in the potential of technology to transform lives for the better. Our team members are flexible and can handle working across a broad range of responsibilities. They don’t mind rolling up their sleeves to solve thorny challenges that take time, patience, and creativity. We are friendly and care about the people with whom we work, always seeking to build and nurture relationships for the long-term.

Catalpa seeks to provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all people, regardless of race, colour, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or marital status. We especially welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds.

Catalpa prioritises the safeguarding of all people, including the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and the safeguarding of children. Engagement of personnel within Catalpa is conditional upon the outcome of background checks, and there is a requirement for all candidates to disclose any current charges or previous convictions regarding assault, abuse or exploitation of children or adults, as well as regarding fraud and/or corruption. All Catalpa personnel are required to abide by Catalpa’s Child Safeguarding Policy, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy and Code of Conduct.

How to Apply

If this sounds interesting and you see yourself doing great work with us, we'd love to hear from you. Please send a cover letter and tell us why you think you’d be a good fit for this role. Applications are to be submitted through our jobs page via the Apply Now button.

For further inquiries or questions regarding this position, send an email to [email protected] using the subject line: Head of Digital Design enquiry via EthicalJobs. Please do not email CV's as we require them to go through our website, thanks.

This position is open to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and candidates with valid Australian work rights. Applicants requiring sponsorship will also be considered.

We look forward to hearing from you!