The Kids Research Institute Australia logo

Theme Manager - First Nations Health & Equity

The Kids Research Institute Australia
On-site
Australia

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, 0.4 – 0.5 FTE (negotiable), 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.

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 strengthen 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 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 recruitment@thekids.org.au

Click here for the Job Description

Contact Name: Clare Berry

Contact Email: clare.berry@thekids.org.au

Closing Date: 25/02/2026 - 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.