The Opportunity

As one of Australia’s largest and most respected child health research institutes, we are seeking a senior leader to join us as Theme Manager – First Nations Health and Equity, supporting the Theme Head in driving our bold new strategic plan: Research Reimagined 2025–2035. This plan is built around three pillars – Focus, Impact, Thrive – and is designed to tackle the most pressing challenges facing children and families through challenge-driven, outcome-focused research. Our vision is simple: Happy, Healthy Kids.

First Nations Health and Equity is a cross-cutting Theme that plays a pivotal role in embedding equity and First Nations perspectives across all areas of research. Unlike other Themes, it does not have a dedicated research team but instead works across the organisation to ensure that the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families are central to everything we do.

This senior leadership role is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the Institute’s First Nations Health and Equity strategy, providing strategic advice to the Executive and Science Leadership Committee, and representing the Institute in high-level internal and external engagements. The Theme Manager will lead cross-theme initiatives, influence organisational culture, and drive the integration of equity principles into research planning, execution, and translation.

As a Theme Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in steering the day-to-day operations of one of our core Themes, working closely with the Theme Head to ensure alignment with the Institute’s Strategic Plan.

You will empower research teams to achieve high-impact results, foster cross-theme collaboration, and ensure that every initiative supports our vision of making a difference in children’s lives.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the First Nations Health and Equity strategy, ensuring alignment with the Institute’s Strategic Plan.

Provide strategic advice on equity-related initiatives and research priorities.

Drive cross-theme collaboration to embed equity and First Nations perspectives into research planning, design, and translation.

Cultivate and maintain high-level relationships with First Nations leaders, communities, and organisations to guide culturally safe and community-informed research.

Mentor staff to build capacity in First Nations health research and inclusive practices.

Represent the Institute internally and externally, contributing to thought leadership in equity and First Nations health.

Develop tools and frameworks to monitor progress against strategic equity goals and support continuous improvement.

This role will be based at Nedlands, WA, 0.4FTE on an ongoing basis.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will possess the following:

A higher degree by research in a relevant discipline (e.g., health, biomedical, or social sciences) or a tertiary qualification in science/business administration.

Proven leadership experience in complex environments, with a talent for strategic planning and operational management.

Strong knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal health and wellbeing.

Solid understanding of Aboriginal governance structures and ethical considerations in Aboriginal research.

Exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Demonstrated success in managing teams, budgets, and projects with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes.

Strong ability to build and maintain productive relationships with diverse stakeholders.

We are driving inclusion and diversity as part of the way we work and embrace the diverse career and life experiences of our staff. If you meet a number of the requirements (and not all), we encourage you to submit your application. We also encourage you to address any career disruptions (if applicable) you may have had in your cover letter.

About Us

Our aim is to create a workplace where people are respected and encouraged to fulfil their potential. We encourage a workforce that is innovative, eager to acquire knowledge and enhance skills; we embrace all employee differences, foster a culture that supports diversity and inclusion, and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations where required.

Some of our staff benefits include:

Save on tax and increase your take home pay by salary packaging up to $15,899 of Living Expenses and up to $2,650 on Entertainment Benefits each FBT year.

Additional annual leave over Christmas and Easter.

Paid Parental Leave

Early and Mid-Career Researcher Mentoring Program.

Various initiatives providing strategic support to researchers, including funding support.

Extensive health and wellbeing program with weekly events.

Flexible work options and hybrid working.

Modern offices and end of trip facilities, including sit to stand desks.

Access to Corporate Health Insurance.

Staff purchasing discounts including travel, IT Hardware and stationery.

How to Apply

If you think that this is the right role and an exciting new challenge for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to navigate to our Career Site to view the Job Description and submit your application.

Your cover letter (no more than 2 pages) should specifically address your skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section above.

Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties with our online portal, please direct your query to [email protected]
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

For more information about the role please contact: Clare Berry, Executive Projects Manager

Contact Email: [email protected]

Closing Date: 1st September at 11:59 PM - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.