About Children's Ground

Children’s Ground is a First Nations organisation. The Children’s Ground Approach is designed and delivered through the leadership of First Nations people. We are committed to systems change to ensure dignity, justice and equity for all children and families. Our work focuses on national reform as well as evidencing a new way of working.

The Children’s Ground Approach is a whole of community, whole of life approach. We privilege First Nations knowledge systems and practice. Over the course of a generation, led by local expertise, we create and deliver an integrated system that is centred on learning, development and wellbeing that responds to the child and their family through the key transition points from pre-birth to young adulthood.

Our approach recognises the cultural, social, and economic strength of our communities. We build on this over a generation to ensure a future for our children and grandchildren that gives them freedom, opportunity and rights to their culture and identity.

Children’s Ground operates in Central Australia and across the Top End, with support provided by a Melbourne-based Shared Services team.

About the role

Children’s Ground is seeking an experienced IT & Data Systems Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across our information technology, digital systems and data environment. This is an opportunity to shape secure, reliable and fit-for-purpose systems that support First Nations-led systems change and strengthen high-quality service delivery across Central Australia, the Top End and our Melbourne-based Shared office team.

Reporting to the Deputy CEO, the IT & Data Systems Manager will lead the development and implementation of Children’s Ground’s IT and data systems strategy and roadmap. The role oversees organisational platforms, infrastructure, cloud-based systems, cybersecurity, vendor and managed service provider performance, procurement, data governance, analytics and reporting capability.

You will work closely with senior leaders, regional teams and external providers to ensure technology and data systems are secure, integrated, user-centred and aligned with organisational strategy. The role will also support the development of culturally safe and ethical approaches to emerging technology, including AI.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and continuous improvement for Children’s Ground’s IT and data systems.
• Develop and implement a five-year IT and data systems strategic plan and annual implementation plans.
• Oversee organisational IT systems, software, hardware, cloud-based platforms and system integrations.
• Manage cybersecurity, risk, incident response procedures, compliance and data governance.
• Lead and support a small IT & Data Systems team across delivery regions and shared services.
• Manage vendor relationships, including the Managed Services Agreement provider.
• Strengthen data quality, reporting, analytics, data literacy and evidence-based decision-making across the organisation.
• Coordinate system upgrades, reviews, testing, documentation and staff training.

About you

You are an experienced IT, data systems or digital systems leader with strong technical capability, sound judgement and a collaborative approach. You can translate complex IT concepts for different audiences, support people through change, and lead systems improvement in a values-driven environment.

You will bring relevant tertiary qualifications in IT, data science, computer science or a related field, along with experience managing organisation-wide systems and platforms. Experience with Microsoft 365, database management, system administration, IT project management, data governance and process improvement will be highly regarded. Experience in community service or First Nations-led organisations would be beneficial.

What we offer

• A meaningful leadership role contributing to First Nations-led systems change.
• The opportunity to shape technology, data and digital capability across a growing organisation.
• A collaborative, purpose-driven team environment.
• Work based in Alice Springs preferred, with Melbourne also considered.
• This is a Full-time, initial 12-month contract
• Salary Classification: Children’s Ground EBA Level 8 $137,042.73 pa + 12% Superannuation + bonus leave

How to Apply

We invite you to walk with us on this unique journey. To apply, please submit your current resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align with the position description.

The preferred candidate will be required to undertake relevant pre-employment checks, including a National Police Check and Working with Children clearance requirements relevant to the role location.

In line with our workforce development strategy, Children’s Ground strongly encourages and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants to apply.