Assistant Director, Policy and Strategy

The Coalition of Peaks is growing and we have an exciting opportunity for an experienced policy professional to bring their skills and expertise to contribute to Closing the Gap policy reform. 

About the organisation 

The Coalition of Peaks is a representative body of more than 80 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled peak organisations and members who have come together to Close the Gap, in partnership with Australian governments. 

We share a belief that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should have a meaningful say on policies and programs related to Closing the Gap through formal partnerships with Australian governments at all levels. 

The Coalition of Peaks Policy and Secretariat Team supports the work of the Coalition of Peaks, providing high level and comprehensive policy and strategic advice to Peaks Members, to support the implementation and monitoring of actions in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.  

About the Role 

We have two vacant Assistant Director, Policy and Strategy positions in the team.

The Assistant Director applies their policy advice, research and analysis skills to influence policy, legislation and funding reform to drive better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in line with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. 

The Assistant Director will use their ability to interpret and communicate data to formulate policy positions, lead, write and edit policy and discussion papers, briefs and submissions to government relevant to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.  

The expectations of the role are similar to those of an Executive Level 1 in the Australian Public Service. It is preferred that the position is based in Canberra, however, remote working will be considered for the right candidate. 

About You 

You will bring a solid foundation in policy analysis, research, and influencing with a demonstrated understanding of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. You can collate, analyse and interpret data from various sources to inform and prepare research papers, reports, talking points and briefs. You effectively influence decision-making through the provision of evidence-based, strategic policy advice. You work well in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have the ability to adjust as priorities change.  

You are a collaborative leader and team player, who shares their policy knowledge and expertise with others to build those capabilities across the team. You will bring experience in stakeholder engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, organisations and communities, and with government officials of all levels.   

As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Organisation, the Coalition of Peaks is committed to growing and supporting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce in our sector. We strongly encourage any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for these roles, regardless of your previous experience. The Coalition of Peaks values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of being, doing and knowing as core skills to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of all positions in our organisation. 

To apply 

Applicants should review the Position Description, which includes further details on the key duties and selection criteria, and submit: 

• A current CV highlighting your experience and qualifications, including details of at least two referees; and 

• A pitch demonstrating why you are the right person for the position. 

Closing date: Applications must be received by 11.59pm (AEST), Sunday 6 September 2026. 

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. 

Enquiries 

If you would like to know more about the role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email at ***********@coalitionofpeaks.org.au.  

For general information about the Coalition of Peaks visit our website.