Policy Director

at  RMIT University

Overview:

• Full-time, Fixed Term position until 2027
• Salary Level HEW 9 (+) plus 17% Superannuation and includes flexible working arrangements
• Based at the ATN Head Office Melbourne CBD RMIT campus, but may be required to work and/or be based at other campuses of the University

About You
The Policy Director will lead the Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) Policy Unit, managing ATN’s critically important sectoral leading, innovative and forward-thinking policy development activities, working to shape the national debate and actively influence higher education policy reform and system improvements. The Policy Director will be the voice of Australia’s most progressive network of universities, demonstrating ATN’s renowned ‘policy clout’ and delivering detailed insight to ensure ATN has an active role in the development of policies which impact our universities, the sector, and which help to shape Australia as a forward-thinking, globally engaged nation. As an active and influential voice for the ATN ongoing response to the Universities Accord, the Policy Director will help shape the Australian higher education agenda for the next 5-10 years.
The Policy Director will be dynamic, innovative, and future-focused, with a deep passion for higher education and research, and a demonstrated deep policy expertise in this space. They will drive ATN’s advocacy agenda with sectoral leading analysis and strategies to ensure ATN builds on its already established reputation as a professional and highly effective peak body with member universities, policy makers, innovators, stakeholders, key alliances, and partners. They will ensure ATN’s voice is consistently heard through strategic engagement and relationship management across our member universities, relevant Federal and State Government ministerial offices and agencies.
As a member of the ATN Senior Leadership team, the Policy Director will lead the Policy Portfolio, including but not limited to the ATN Policy Think Tank, Policy Advisory Capability, ATN-wide Data Sharing initiatives, ATN Education and Research strategies, and contribute policy advice as required to other ATN portfolios.

The Director will have responsibility for:

• Visibility and engagement on key legislation being built/proposed affecting tertiary education
• Conducting analysis and providing clear and prompt advice relating to national and international policy development in higher education, research and skills
• Ensuring ATN’s key stakeholders are informed and contribute to current and emerging policy debates and development
• Driving ATN’s presence and voice within government, Budget and Parliamentary contexts
• Ensure ATN and its members are seen as sector innovators.

As the policy portfolio lead, the Director will support the Executive Director, Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Grad Deans, other senior executives, and committees, to navigate – and influence – an increasingly complex policy environment in Australia. They will also scope, develop and refine our policy advocacy to ensure ATN continues to be a trusted contributor to higher education policy settings more generally.

To be successful in this position, you’ll have as a minimum:

• Relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent combination of education, knowledge, skills and demonstrated experience at an appropriate level.
• A deep understanding of the current domestic and global higher education and related policy environment, including those relevant to the distinctive profile of the ATN and its member universities.
• Demonstrated flexibility, initiative and the ability to operate strategically within a busy and complex environment, to deal effectively with competing demands and to produce high quality responses within limited timeframes.
• Demonstrated expertise in providing high-level policy advisory services that contribute to achieving organisational strategic goals, delivered with tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
• Proven extensive experience in the effective synthesis and analysis of relevant information and data, including the evaluation of research outcomes and recommendations.
• Highly developed interpersonal, oral communication, facilitation and negotiation skills, including the demonstrated ability to interact with people at all levels, both internal and external to the organisation.
• Exceptional writing skills including experience with developing briefing documents, data and policy analysis, media materials, opinion pieces, reports, submissions, speeches, discussion papers, and strategic plans.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong networks across higher education, industry, and government agencies.
• Ability to lead and ensure delivery of projects in a dynamic and collaborative cross-functional team environment, with minimum of 5 years of program management experience.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.
About the Portfolio
Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) is a national Australian higher education peak body, with a membership of six universities across Australia. ATN has a strong presence both nationally and internationally and in key metropolitan and regional media markets. Established in 1999, ATN undertakes policy, advocacy, public affairs and national media work to benefit the shared interest of our membership of world-class Australian universities, the higher education sector and society more broadly. ATN member universities are Curtin University, Deakin University, RMIT University, The University of Newcastle, University of South Australia, and University of Technology Sydney. Collectively, ATN educates up to 19 per cent of all students in Australia and are the destination of choice for nearly 18 per cent of Australia’s international students. ATN is a leader in international and transnational education in the ASEAN region and beyond. The ATN Directorate serves its members through a wide range of activities, including policy analysis and development, while ensuring the voice of our membership is heard at all levels of government, as well as in and through media channels throughout Australia and internationally. Regarded as Australia’s most innovative and enterprising grouping, ATN prides itself on its shared mission to ensure Australia’s higher education system remains open, fair and accessible, as well as meeting the needs of industry, particularly Australia’s 2.3 million SMEs.
The Directorate is led by the Executive Director and its head office is based at RMIT’s City Campus in Melbourne.
RMIT University is the employing agent for ATN staff.
Learn more about the ATN at the following link:
https://atn.edu.au/
To Apply
Please submit your CV and covering letter addressing your suitability for this position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page.
For further information about this position, please see the Position Description hyperlinked below or contact Frank Coletta via email
frank.coletta@atn.edu.au
.
Position Description – Policy Director
Please note, if you are viewing this advert from an external site, please click ‘apply’ and you will be redirected to RMIT’s Jobs website to access the Position Description at the bottom of the page.
Applications Close:
27 May 2024 11.59 pm
RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT. To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Kassie (Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor), via
talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information -
https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers
.
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Please refer the Job description for details