Director Nest and Nurture

Full Time, 2-Year Contract | Flexible/remote with travel | $161,000 + Superannuation

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the organisation

SNAICC – National Voice for our Children is the national peak body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and the community-controlled organisations that support them.

For more than 40 years, SNAICC has been a leading voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, advocating for systemic change and driving reform across child protection, early childhood development, family wellbeing and self-determination. Through research, policy, advocacy, sector development and innovation, SNAICC works to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children grow up strong in culture, connected to family and community, and empowered to thrive.

Governed by a Board of Directors and Council comprising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and community-controlled organisations from across Australia, SNAICC plays a critical role in influencing national policy, supporting sector capability and advancing the rights, needs and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

About the role

The Director, Nest and Nurture is a pivotal leadership role responsible for establishing and leading a new national four-year initiative designed to strengthen new and growing Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) early years services.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Child Development, you will lead the development of the systems, practices, resources and partnerships required to provide both “nest” and “nurture” support to ACCO services. This includes strengthening business operations and regulatory compliance, supporting continuous quality improvement and cultural responsiveness, developing regional hubs and addressing the systemic barriers that have historically hindered the establishment and growth of ACCO-led services.

You will lead the national Nest and Nurture team and work closely with Regional Advisory Councils, the Operator Board, Aboriginal early learning services, government, philanthropy and sector partners. A key focus will be establishing sustainable pathways for the initiative, including developing funding opportunities, partnerships and longer-term revenue models.

This is a unique opportunity to build a significant national initiative from the ground up, influence systemic change and strengthen the capability, sustainability and cultural responsiveness of Aboriginal-led early learning services across Australia.

For a full list of responsibilities associated with this role, please contact Pipeline Talent via jobs@pipelinetalent.com.au.

About you

You are an experienced senior leader with a strong track record establishing and delivering complex programs, initiatives or organisational change. You bring strategic capability, confidence and the ability to take a new national program from establishment through to sustainable delivery.

You have strong knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and experience building culturally safe and trusted relationships with ACCOs and sector partners. You are an influential communicator and advocate, able to work across government, philanthropy, community-controlled and non-government sectors to build partnerships and influence systemic change.

Commercially and outcomes focused, you bring strong capability across strategic planning, funding, risk, budgets and program sustainability. You are an empowering and collaborative leader who can build capability, lead a national team and balance local needs with national strategic oversight.

Selection Criteria

1. Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with demonstrated experience working respectfully, effectively and in culturally safe ways with ACCOs and Aboriginal community stakeholders.
2. Demonstrated senior leadership experience establishing and delivering complex programs, initiatives or organisational change, with the ability to translate strategy into meaningful outcomes.
3. Proven ability to establish and sustain strategic partnerships across government, philanthropy, community-controlled and non-government sectors, including developing sustainable funding and revenue pathways.
4. Strong strategic planning and program management capability, including managing budgets, resources, risk, quality, reporting and the delivery of agreed outcomes.
5. Demonstrated ability to identify and address systemic barriers, advocate for policy and system change, and influence senior stakeholders, government and governance groups.
6. Strong people leadership capability, with the ability to lead, support and develop an empowered, collaborative and high-performing team.

What we can offer you

• Lead the establishment of a significant new national initiative supporting Aboriginal-led early learning services.
• Influence systemic change and strengthen the capability, sustainability and cultural responsiveness of the ACCO early years sector.
• Work within an organisation grounded in cultural safety, collaboration, trust, respect, accountability and staff wellbeing.
• Flexible working arrangements, with Melbourne-based employees able to work from home up to two days per week. Candidates based outside Melbourne may work remotely with travel to the Melbourne office and other locations.
• Attractive salary package, including salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 tax-free per annum and an additional $2,650 tax-free for meals, entertainment, accommodation and venue hire (subject to Government regulations).
• Access to leave loading and cultural leave provisions.
• Parental leave benefits – a 26-week top-up to the gov scheme and an additional 6 weeks full pay while on leave.

How to apply

Your application should include:

• A current resume.
• A cover letter responding to the selection criteria and outlining your motivation and suitability for the position.

Applications are to be submitted via the Pipeline Talent website at: https://www.pipelinetalent.com.au/jobview/director-nest-and-nurture/cca4cab6-5cab-47cd-bc01-ab588b7b8cc8/

Applications close 11:59pm Monday, 5 October 2026.

How to get more information

For further information on the position, please contact the team at Pipeline Talent.

Tiana Callaughan

Head of Recruitment

tiana@pipelinetalent.com.au | jobs@pipelinetalent.com.au

M: 0476 538 307 | PH: 02 8001 6603