Batchelor Institute is the only First Nations dual sector tertiary education provider in Australia. The Institute is uniquely positioned to recognise multiple ways of being, doing and knowing in the world. The Institute recognises the Sovereignty of multiple Nations and privilege the positioning of First Nations peoples as knowledge holders in all educational transactions with Western knowledge systems. To play a key role in understanding of Council’s vision to enlist First Nation’s perspectives, philosophies and practices in all learning and teaching and operations of the Institute.

The opportunity

The Institute is seeking a person with proven educational leadership background that crosses the boundaries between Vocational Education and Higher Education sectors who will inspire new generations of dedicated professional educators, support staff and students to improve educational outcomes for First Nations people by providing meaningful pathways to employment, further study and research opportunities, and support to become community leaders.

This position is identified for appointment of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person.

About the Role

The CEO will foster and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across a broad spectrum including the Australian and Territory Governments, private and educational sectors and the broader community, while maintaining a culturally safe workplace, and accountability for the effective operational management and outcomes achieved. The role will also exercise legal authority as the Director under various Acts including the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education Act and ensure appropriate governance across the Institute.

Strategically lead the Institute in delivering high quality tertiary education for First Nations students and be accountable for the effective operational management and outcomes achieved.

The successful candidate will:

• Drive and lead strategic planning, strategy development and change management for the Institute and take accountability for the performance of the Institute’s activities across all sectors.
• Foster and promote cultural integrity and safety, a culture of professionalism, innovation and quality student focused service delivery.
• Identify synergies and opportunities to improve coordination, efficiencies and effectiveness across functions.
• Ensure strong and effective governance frameworks and processes are in place, monitored and reported against.
• Establish and maintain strong stakeholder relationships across sectors including the Australian and Territory Governments, private and educational sectors and the broader community.
• Ensure the effective management of the Institute’s human, financial and infrastructure resources.
• Act as an ex officio member of Council, providing advice, strategic direction and accurate information to Council members.
• Demonstrate high levels of accountability, integrity, credibility, discreteness, and confidentiality.

The successful candidate will have:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in culturally diverse teams within the social, political, and cultural environments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities and organisations.
• Proven executive leadership skills in the post-secondary education sector or related field, with the ability to shape and guide strategic direction, formulate business strategy and obtain wide support and commitment to the achievement of the Institute’s strategic directions.
• Demonstrated capacity to initiate and drive change and motivate others to enhance service delivery.
• Proven business, commercial and financial acumen, and a successful track record in commercial ventures including making effective and timely commercial and financial decisions.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, collaboration and influencing skills applicable across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent resource management skills, including financial, human resource and infrastructure.

Additional information:

• Applicants must provide at least one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander referee.
• Original qualifications or original certified qualifications must be provided.
• Applicants must have an Ochre Card and a current Police Check and/or the ability to obtain these prior to commencement.
• The COVID-19 Safety Management Plan and other COVID-19 related information Policy and Procedure require all Batchelor Institute workers to have had a third COVID-19 vaccination. Temporary or permanent exemptions apply in certain circumstances.
• Applicants must be able and willing to undertake travel throughout the NT and Interstate (sometimes in a light aircraft passenger) and possess a C class Driver’s Licence.

How to Apply

Your application should consist of:

• A completed application lodgement form, available from our website.
• Responses to the selection criteria.
• A resume.
• Please go to our careers page to download the full position description, or see the attachment below.

Please address your cover letter to the Chairperson, BI Council, detailing why you wish to work at Batchelor Institute, and the attributes, skills and experience you would bring to the role.

Should you have any questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Mrs. Debbie Barnes by email [email protected] or mobile phone. To apply for this role, please visit the Recruitment page, and then submit applications by email to [email protected] using the subject line: Chief Executive Officer - Batchelor enquiry via EthicalJobs. 

Applications close by the advertised date.