Head of Kulunga Aboriginal Unit
The Kids Research Institute AustraliaPursuant of Section 50(d) of the Equal Employment Opportunities Act 1984, the occupant of this position must be of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.
At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are seeking a visionary leader to guide the Kulunga Aboriginal Unit. This is a senior leadership role, working to place Aboriginal health research at the heart of what we do. This role provides cultural, strategic, and operational leadership, ensuring our research is guided by Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing. You will lead a committed team, build trusted relationships with Aboriginal communities, and support the development of future Aboriginal researchers. Most importantly, you will champion culturally safe, inclusive research that makes a real difference for children and families across Australia.
The Opportunity
As Head of the Kulunga Aboriginal Unit, your duties will include:
- Lead a committed team to deliver on four key aims: cultural governance, research alignment, workforce capability, and community engagement.
- Provide cultural awareness training and ensure Aboriginal research standards are upheld across projects.
- Strengthen awareness and understanding of the Institute’s research within Aboriginal communities nationwide.
- Build career pathways for Aboriginal people engaged in research, now and into the future.
- Represent the Institute nationally and internationally as a leader in Aboriginal child and family health research.
This is a full time, ongoing position based at Perth Children’s Hospital in Nedlands, Perth.
About You
You are a visible and trusted Aboriginal leader who brings the following skills and experience:
- Demonstrated experience in senior leadership and team management.
- Strong knowledge of Aboriginal self-determination, cultural governance, and capacity building.
- Understanding of Aboriginal research, design, and translation in diverse settings.
- Proven success in building partnerships and influencing policy.
- Strong operational and financial management skills with a collaborative, positive leadership style.
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
At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
If you meet many, but not all, of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we:
- Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
- Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
- Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
- Partner with communities to strength cultural awareness and belonging.
- Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups.
- We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.
Alongside our inclusive culture, you’ll enjoy:
- Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
- Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
- Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
- Flexible and hybrid working options.
- Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
- Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
- Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.
How to apply
If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you, please click on 'Apply Now' to visit our Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application.
Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the “About You” section.
Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contactrecruitment@thekids.org.au.
Click here for the Job Description
Contact Name: Louise Ardagh
Contact Email: louise.ardagh@thekids.org.au
Closing Date: 03/10/2025 - 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.