Senior Implementation Lead – Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion (CoEDI)

Senior Implementation Lead – Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion (CoEDI) - The Gordon

• Help build a nationally significant Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion
• Turn innovation into lasting change in vocational education and employment
• Work alongside people with lived experience and partners to embed inclusive practice

About The Gordon

The Gordon is a dynamic and inclusive organisation and a thriving community where people connect and work together to inspire students. With a strong commitment to creating the future, The Gordon provides a rich and rewarding environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

At The Gordon, everyone is welcomed, valued and empowered to make a difference. Its culture is underpinned by the values We are The Gordon, We bring our best, We create the future and We are student minded, which guide how its people work, make decisions and support its students.

Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion

Supported by a $36 million Victorian Government investment, The Gordon’s Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion (CoEDI) is a major initiative to improve access, participation and success in vocational education and employment for people with disability. With a purpose-built facility at The Gordon’s Geelong City Campus expected to open in 2027, the Centre brings together students, TAFEs, government, industry and community partners to address systemic barriers and strengthen inclusive practice. People with lived experience of disability are central to its design and delivery, ensuring their expertise shapes its priorities and approaches.

The Centre will develop, test and share practical approaches to inclusive teaching and assessment, accessible learning environments and technology, workforce capability and transitions into employment. Combining applied research, innovation and knowledge sharing, it will help embed lasting improvements across The Gordon and the broader TAFE network. This work is already progressing through the Geelong Inclusive Employment Compact, bringing together the TAC, WorkSafe Victoria, the NDIA and Barwon Health to strengthen pathways from training into meaningful work.

About the Senior Implementation Lead Role

This is an opportunity to help build a nationally significant Centre of Excellence and turn its ambitions into practical improvements for people with disability. Reporting to the Program Director, you will lead implementation and change activities that bring the Centre’s innovations into everyday practice across The Gordon and participating organisations.

You will help establish the Centre’s operating model, coordinate activity across teams and partners, and support the adoption of new resources, frameworks and approaches. From planning and stakeholder readiness through to delivery and benefits realisation, you will ensure initiatives are implemented effectively, sustained and extended to reach more learners and workplaces.

Working alongside people with lived experience, internal teams and partners across TAFE, government, disability, community and industry, you will embed accessibility and co-design throughout implementation. You will help translate promising ideas into approaches that organisations can adopt, creating lasting improvements in inclusive education and pathways into meaningful employment.

About You

You are an experienced implementation and change leader motivated by the chance to make education and employment more inclusive for people with disability. You bring the practical judgement and collaborative approach to turn strategy into action, support people through change and deliver improvements that last.

You have delivered complex programs or reform, coordinating multiple workstreams, stakeholders and dependencies. You build confidence and readiness for change through clear communication and facilitation, track progress and benefits, and keep delivery focused on outcomes. Accessibility and lived experience inform how you engage people, make decisions and implement change.

Experience in vocational education and training, higher education, government or community services will be highly regarded, alongside knowledge of disability inclusion, accessible education and universal design. Experience delivering initiatives across organisations or geographically dispersed partners will also be advantageous.

A relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent people leadership experience in a related field is required.

Hazel Executive & Boards is pleased to be partnering with The Gordon on the search and appointment of this Senior Implementation Lead – Centre of Excellence in Disability Inclusion (CoEDI) opportunity. All direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to Hazel Executive.

Hazel acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work and pays respect to Elders past and present. Hazel is committed to equal opportunity and to championing diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility and accessibility in all executive appointments. If you require any adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you.

To review the Candidate Information Pack please click on this link

For a confidential discussion, please contact Jodi Heath, Partner on 0459 997 007 or jodi.heath@hazelexecutive.com.au

Applications close Sunday 8 November 2026 at 11:59pm