Hybrid Theme Manager - First Nations Health and Equity presso The Kids Research Institute Australia
The Kids Research Institute Australia · Nedlands, Australia · Hybrid
- Professional
- Ufficio in Nedlands
This opportunity is offered in accordance with section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 and candidates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who meet the selection criteria for this role will be prioritised for appointment.
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]
Click here for the Job Description
Contact Name: Clare Berry
Contact Email: [email protected]
Closing Date: 01/09/2025 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.
The Kids Research Institute Australia is committed to being champions of gender equity, diversity, and inclusivity. We actively encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, and cultures, including: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities and people living with disability. As such we are a proud Bronze award recipient of the first Australian Athena Swan Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) pilot program.
We acknowledge that when working in environments which contribute to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, it is imperative that Aboriginal people are at the forefront of this work. We have launched the Aboriginal Employment and Career Development Strategy to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and researchers employed in the Institute who provide guidance and support in our work in Aboriginal health.