The Australian Human Rights Commission (‘the Commission’) is Australia’s national human rights institution. Together we work towards an Australian society in which human rights are respected, protected and promoted – where every person is free and equal in dignity and rights. 

The Commission has recently been awarded funding to undertake a study into the prevalence, nature and impact of racism in Australian universities under the direction of the Race Discrimination Commissioner.

We are seeking an EL2 Director – Study into the Prevalence and Impact of Racism in Australian Universities on a full time non-ongoing basis until October 2025 subject to funding (with the possibility of extension). The Director will lead the development and implementation of a time sensitive research study on the prevalence, nature and impact of racism in Australian universities.

Key responsibilities

Project management and engagement:

• Lead and manage the time sensitive delivery of the research study including managing project timelines and budget.
• Lead stakeholder engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders taking a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, solutions-based approach.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders as well as internal stakeholders to effectively deliver the program of work.
• Ensure hard to reach and hardly reached participants are engaged in the study.
• Lead monitoring, evaluation and reporting on program outcomes including to the Commonwealth Government.

Research:

• Lead the design of the study including the design of the study methodology, survey instruments and participant engagement materials.
• Lead the development and implementation of best practice research and analysis to effectively deliver study objectives including high quality research reports and other research outputs.
• Work effectively with external providers as required to undertake components of the study.

Strategic advice and leadership:

• Provide strategic advice to the Race Discrimination Commissioner and Commission Executive on the study in alignment with its purpose, and with the Commission’s broader National Anti-Racism Strategy.
• Apply a robust approach to identifying and effectively managing risks in a complex operating environment.
• Lead a high performing team of multi-disciplinary professionals.
• Represent the Commission in public, and in stakeholder engagement settings related to the study.

Skills & Experience

Experience, qualifications and accreditations:

• Demonstrated specialist knowledge in designing and/or implementing large scale survey research.
• Demonstrated experience undertaking trauma-informed, culturally sensitive research in educational settings and/or subject matter expertise from research about race, racism, anti-racism and intersectionality.
• Demonstrated understanding of research ethics including any relevant frameworks, policies and legislation.
• Demonstrated expertise in complex stakeholder engagement and consultation.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and delivering complex projects/programs with competing deadlines and deliverables, on time and within budget.
• Demonstrated ability to critically analyse complex issues and undertake high quality research.
• Demonstrated experience in the provision of high-level advice in relation to complex human rights issues.
• Demonstrated ability to provide evidence-based policy advice and recommendations to facilitate positive change.
• Lived experience of First Nations or other racialised communities is strongly desirable.
• Budget and financial management experience.

Strategic Leadership:

• Demonstrated high level capacity for strategic thinking, political awareness, sound judgement and creative problem solving.
• Demonstrated capacity for setting strategic direction, achieving outcomes in a human rights policy or similar context.
• Exceptional leadership, management and representational skills in a complex, sensitive and dynamic environment.
• Experience in the effective management of organisational risks, and in compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements.

Relationships and interpersonal skills:

• Highly developed interpersonal and liaison skills, with the ability to lead and manage a small team and communicate effectively with senior managers and executives.
• Exceptional relationship management skills with a capacity to ensure stakeholder interests are recognised and managed successfully.
• Collaboration and negotiation skills with an ability to navigate challenging situations in a dynamic environment.

Communication:

• Exceptional communication skills including a demonstrated ability to communicate:
  • with all stakeholders with respect, empathy, and discretion utilising a trauma-informed approach
  • confidently, persuasively and sensitively on the Commission’s identified strategic priorities and the objectives of the study with a capacity to ensure that diverse stakeholder interests are recognised and managed positively and professionally.

Professional knowledge and skills:

• Project/Program Management skills.
• Monitoring and evaluation skills, and establishment of evaluation frameworks to assess program delivery effectiveness.
• Post graduate qualification or an equivalent combination of relevant research experience and/or education/training is desirable

Additional Information

We value inclusivity and diversity and seek people who support and model the behaviours we promote in our workforce. We strongly encourage applications from First Nations Australians, mature workers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, carers, LGBTQI+ and people with disability.

Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS) unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing.

The Commission is committed to providing an accessible, inclusive work environment to enable people with a disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment. Applicants are encouraged to request reasonable adjustment as required to assist your participation in this recruitment process.

Please provide a resume and covering letter outlining your interest in this position. You are not required to address each selection criterion individually but should provide sufficient information to demonstrate that your skills, knowledge and experience are the right fit for this position. Please be accurate, succinct and show a clear connection with the selection criteria for the role.

Additional information may be sought from [email protected] using the subject line: Director - Study into the Prevalence and Impact of Racism in Australian Universities enquiry via EthicalJobs.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to fulfil the requirements of the role in an impartial and respectful manner as required by the APS Code of Conduct. The successful candidate will uphold the integrity and independence of the Australian Human Rights Commission.

As part of the recruitment and selection process, applicants will be required to consent to and undergo background checks which may include character and social media checks.

A position description is attached.

Sydney-based (flexible, remote, hybrid work arrangements will be considered).