Executive Director, Occupational Diving Standards (Dunoon)

Executive Director — Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) ADAS is the national certification scheme for Australia's occupational diving and hyperbaric sector. We are also a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) within the Vocational Education and Training (VET) framework, operating under high scrutiny and in a low-tolerance-for-error environment where safety, compliance and credibility are paramount. ADAS is internationally recognised and active in global mutual recognition and portability forums. The role Reporting to the Chair and Board, the Executive Director leads a small, specialist team and represents ADAS across regulators, industry, training establishments and international peers. This is a hands‑on executive role that balances stability and continuity with measured, defensible improvement. Key responsibilities
- Lead ADAS operations, ensuring audit readiness, robust evidence management and compliance within the VET/ASQA and standards context.
- Maintain and strengthen ADAS's "gold standard" reputation for training and certification quality.
- Engage and influence key stakeholders (regulators, unions, industry, Accredited Training Establishments/schools, standards bodies).
- Represent ADAS nationally and internationally, supporting mutual recognition and portability arrangements and protecting the value and reputation of the ADAS card.
- Provide high‑quality governance support to the Board, including clear reporting, risk management and decision‑ready papers.
- Drive prudent financial management and sustainability in a constrained NFP environment.
- Lead and develop a small team culture that is people‑centred, calm, inclusive and high performing.
- Oversee measured systems improvement (including student management/LMS platform uplift) in a way that is staged, defensible and low risk. About you
- Lived occupational diving experience with strong technical credibility (offshore diver supervisor level highly regarded).
- High exposure to hyperbaric operations (e.g., diver, life support roles, chamber operations; hyperbaric certification preferred—ideally offshore/supervisor level).
- Demonstrated experience leading and managing teams in highly regulated and/or safety‑critical or standards‑based organisations. Experience leading and managing small teams is favourable.
- Strong governance literacy and Board engagement/reporting capability.
- Highly developed stakeholder management skills, including the ability to manage conflict and complex dynamics with confidence and diplomacy.
- Exceptional written communication and technical documentation capability.
- Comfortable presenting publicly and representing the organisation.
- Financial and commercial management experience (budgeting, reporting, prioritisation) aligned to sustainability in a small NFP.
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122, TAE40110 or TAE40116) must be held or a willingness to obtain as an immediate priority.
- Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
- Experience working with international cohorts and cross‑cultural stakeholders; additional languages an advantage.
- Prior involvement with standards bodies, accreditation forums or international recognition arrangements. Location & travel The office is headquartered in tranquil Dunoon, NSW (near Lismore/Byron region), and the role includes local and international travel. ADAS may consider hybrid working arrangements. How to apply Please submit your CV and a cover letter addressing the following:
- Your occupational diving background and technical credibility (including offshore/supervisor/hyperbaric exposure where relevant).
- Your experience leading in a regulated, safety‑critical or standards‑based workplace (including audits/compliance). Talent Ecology is ADAS's trusted partner. For a confidential discussion, contact Josette Moffatt, Managing Director, Talent Ecology, on 04•• ••• 300. Note: Applicants must have Australian working rights (citizen/PR). Pre‑employment checks will apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3rmuwf