What is the Disability Dialogue?

It’s a new, innovative and collaborative initiative designed strengthen voices engaged in policy and practice reform, create safe spaces for people across the disability ecosystem to work together and generate practical, evidence-based solutions to complex issues in the reform agenda. The Dialogue was established by and is overseen by Disability Advocacy Network Australia, Inclusion Australia, Melbourne Disability Institute and Alliance 20. More information can be found here: https://disabilitydialogue.com.au/

The Dialogue is auspiced by DANA and works within its organisational structure. DANA has a genuinely inclusive and supportive culture.

The Disability Dialogue Director

After the initial pilot, the Dialogue is now in a position to recruit its first Director with a broad remit to lead this important initiative. You will work to scale the work nationally, develop organisational infrastructure (safe, inclusive practices, quality assurance, reporting frameworks, etc) and build a team to achieve the initiative’s aims. You will develop mechanisms to ensure traditionally marginalised communities are included and drive genuine, meaningful dialogue across multiple stakeholder groups. You will cultivate strategic partnerships, seek out funding opportunities and grow revenue through commissioned services.

Is this role for you?

The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special measure under section 45 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), and applicable state and territory anti-discrimination legislation. The position is therefore only open to applicants with disability.

You are an experienced and collaborative leader of people, projects and partnerships. You have experience in getting new initiatives off the ground, with high levels of strategic thinking and planning. You have experience working with peers at a senior level and have a strong track record in building effective and productive relationships with a wide range of people. You can demonstrate a track record of inclusive practice of marginalised people. You have a strong ability to analyse policy, think critically and present evidence-based advice and support to members, government, and other stakeholders.

You bring excellent organisational skills, communication and interpersonal skills. You have strong project and time management skills with the ability to keep multiple workstreams and projects on the go, prioritising effort and resource effectively. You can balance the big picture with close attention to detail. Finally, your personal attributes of tenacity, creativity, passion and drive will assist to develop and facilitate solutions with a vision for strengthening disabled people’s voices in policy and practice.

This role is offered as a maximum-term contract until 30th June 2028.

Review the attached position description to see the full selection criteria. Send your resume along with a cover letter of no more than three A4 pages addressing the key selection criteria via the 'Apply now' button'.

We recognise and value the benefits and strengths that diversity brings to our employees and our work and we thrive in an environment that encourages respect and trust. We understand you may have preferences and needs during the application or interview process. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to participate fully and fairly in this process, please let us know by emailing [email protected] using the subject line: Director - Disability Dialogue - Remote / Work From Home enquiry via EthicalJobs – inclusive recruitment process.

To discuss the role in more detail, please contact either CEO Carol Lewis on 0404 199 766 or Head of Diversity and Inclusion Trish Mitra-Kahn on 0450 065 865.