Director Indigenous Research (Affirmative Measures)

at  AIATSIS

WHO WE ARE

We are Australia’s only national institution focused exclusively on the diverse history,
cultures, and heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia. We house the
world’s most important and extensive collection of cultural information and material, and
we provide leadership, publish, and promote greater understanding and appreciation of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We create opportunities for people the world
over to engage with and be transformed by the knowledge, the culture, and the story of
Australia’s Indigenous peoples. We are Australia’s national institution for leadership in
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research.

WHAT WE DO

We care for a priceless collection, including films, photographs, video, and audio recordings
as well as the world’s largest collection of printed and other resource materials for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies. We undertake and encourage scholarly,
ethical, community-based research in a variety of sectors, including health, native title,
languages, and education. Our publishing house, Aboriginal Studies Press, regularly
publishes outstanding writing that promotes Australian Indigenous cultures.
Our activities affirm and raise awareness of the richness and diversity of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories.
Our functions are established under the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Studies Act 1989.

These functions are to:

• provide access to a national collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

culture and heritage.

• use that national collection to strengthen and promote knowledge and

understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.

• provide leadership in the fields of:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research; and
activities relating to collections associated with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples; and use (including use for research) of that national
collection and other collections containing Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander culture and heritage.

• lead and promote collaborations and partnerships among the academic,

research, non-government, business and government sectors and
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in support of the other

functions of the Institute.

• provide advice to the Commonwealth on the situation and status of Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander culture and heritage.
We are an Australian Government statutory authority. The Minister responsible for AIATSIS is
the Hon Linda Burney MP, Minister for Indigenous Australians.
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HOW TO APPLY

If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Apply
through our online recruitment system (eRecruit)
Closing Date 11.30pm (AEDST) on Sunday 30 June 2024
You will need to address both the Cultural Capability (no more than 500 words) and our ideal
candidate (no more than 750 words) sections, in your response. Provide a succinct summary
outlining why you are interested in this position and why you believe that you have the
cultural capability, skills, knowledge, and experience to be considered for this role. Please
provide examples which demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of the position.
Your cultural competency will carry more weight than other factors in the assessment.
These requirements are based on the information provided to you as part of the job
opportunity.
Do not simply state that you meet the requirements - it is essential that you provide
examples from your current or past role(s) which demonstrate how you meet each of the
key areas or points. You should focus on how your experience, achievements and
capabilities will enable you to successfully undertake the responsibilities of the role(s).
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Applicants are also required to submit a current CV/resume.
If you need assistance developing your response, you may want to refer to the applying
for jobs on the Australian Public Service Commission website:
http://www.apsc.gov.au/working-in-the-aps/applying-for-jobs-in-the-aps

know as Yumi Sabe and its continued development.

• providing expert advice and coordinating the review, contribution and production o

We are seeking a high performing and talented Director to lead the team. As Director you will
work collaboratively across AIATSIS to strategically shape AIATSIS’ culture and future direction,
including managing the biennial delivery of the Situation and Status of Indigenous Cultures and
Heritage report (SSICH). You will be responsible for leading a small team to design and
undertake a program of cutting-edge research and deliver on outcomes. The key duties of the

role include:

• leading the development of a new national report on the situation and status of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and heritage.

• developing and managing relationships with stakeholders, including the university

sector, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and peak bodies, and other

cultural institutions.

• overseeing the operations of the AIATSIS Indigenous Knowledge Exchange Platform

know as Yumi Sabe and its continued development.

• providing expert advice and coordinating the review, contribution and production of

high-quality research and cultural publications and resources for a range of audiences to

a high standard.

• providing complex written reports, submissions and correspondence as well as

developing and managing the program workplan, budget and reporting functions.

• representing AIATSIS at various forums and events.

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