Program Manager

About the Institute

Black Dog Institute acknowledges the Bidiagal Clan of the Dharawal Nation, who are the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Black Dog Institute is situated, in Randwick. Black Dog Institute is the only Medical Research Institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan and our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. For the past 20 years, we have been at the forefront of mental health research. Our work is used to drive evidence informed change across the rapidly expanding mental health sector and sets the foundations for a brighter and healthier future for all. We house the only Lived Experience centre for First Nations peoples in the world. The centre elevates the voices of First Nations peoples and shares their stories to co-design, inform, and deliver culturally responsive mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.

Benefits

• Option of remote working, if located away from our Randwick office.
• 35 hour work week, flexible hours agreements & 9-day fortnights
• Salary Packaging : $15,900.00 of your base salary tax free & up to $2650.00 meal & entertainment
• Family first, people first culture, we put our research into action at work to make sure we maintain mental health and wellbeing at work
• We in the Innovate stage of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), actively embedding reconciliation into our workplace culture.
• Pet friendly workplace
• Leave benefits including public holiday swap, gifted annual leave, and wellbeing leave
• Employee discounts and gym membership benefits

The Role

The purpose of this position is to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre (ILEC), ensuring the project is completed within timeframes and budget. This position supports the implementation and development of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre’s core activities and facilitates strategic partnerships that align with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Program Management

• Oversee all operations of all ILEC national project streams to ensure consistency and alignment with ILEC’s strategic objectives
• Establishing, implementing and maintaining project systems and processes to ensure ILEC activities are delivered aligned to budget and timeframes
• Maintain project monitoring systems to document ILEC national project activities in line with established KPI’s and strategic objectives
• Provide support and / or mentorship to new and existing staff members as part of the National ILEC Project team.
• Ensure First Nations lived experience perspectives are embedded in all aspects of program design and delivery.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to program delivery, ensuring contingency plans are in place.
• Provide support to the Head of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience Centre as required.

Organisational Development

• Develop strategies to embed First Nations knowledges, inclusive of cultural safety and First Nations governance within ILEC’s operations.
• Collaborate with the Partnerships team to identify opportunities for growth, funding, and sustainability of ILEC activities aligned to strategic objectives. This includes : drafting funding proposals and supporting grant applications.
• Co-design and implement culturally responsive policies and procedures relating to ILEC activities
• Ensure trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches underpin all ILEC project activities.

Reporting and Compliance

• Ensure all reporting requirements are met in a timely manner, aligning with funding agreements, compliance obligations, and strategic objectives.
• Ensure all program data, reports, and evaluations are maintained to support funding renewals, grant applications, and stakeholder reporting.
• Work closely with finance teams to oversee program budgets, funding agreements, and financial acquittals.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a primary liaison between ILEC and key stakeholders, including government agencies, corporate partners, and community organisations, ensuring strong, productive relationships.
• Represent ILEC at sector meetings, and public forums to develop relationships and build the reputation of ILEC
• Facilitate strategic partner development strengthening links with government agencies, non-government organisations, private organisations, Community organisations and sector partners

Administration

• Coordinate and maintain accurate, accessible and up-to-date information such as records, systems and processes
• Support the preparation of board papers, advisory group reports, and other governance-related documents as required.

Work, Health and Safety

• Ensure self and all staff comply with all WHS legislation WHS Policy and Procedures.
• Report any WHS hazards and significant issues to Head of Operations, People & Culture or delegate.
• Work in a safe manner, applying a duty of care.
• Train new staff and coach existing staff in WHS practices.

Note : the list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and the Institute may change or request additional activities to meet the operational needs of the business

Skills & Experience Required

Essential Criteria

1. Tertiary qualifications in relevant discipline (e.g. health field, social sciences, business management, education) or equivalent years of experience in a related field, including management expertise

2. Under Articles 4 and 33.2 of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to which Australia is a signatory, applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate their strong relationships with Aboriginal Communities. While letters of support from Aboriginal community leaders or organisations are highly regarded, we also welcome other forms of evidence, such as publicly documented collaborations with First Nations Communities, or involvement in First Nations Community events.

3. Demonstrated experience in engaging people with a lived experience of mental health and / or suicide prevention in programs, services and / or research

4. Demonstrated ability to lead planning, budgeting and implementation process to achieve program establishment and growth

5. Exceptional stakeholder management and leadership skills, with a demonstrated ability to coordinate a coherent team aligned to organisational values

6. A proven ability to manage contract negotiation, delivery, reporting and relationship management, delivering projects to time and budget

7. Demonstrated ability to leverage relationships and networks of internal and external stakeholders to positively influence outcomes

8. Excellent organisation, time management and prioritisation

9. Outstanding verbal and written communication.

Desirable Criteria

1. Experience in the not-for-profit sector

2. Experience in research and / or translational research areas that are consistent with the mission and objectives of Black Dog Institute.

3. Identify as Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander

EEO Statement

Black Dog Institute is committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our wider community. We ensure equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, appearance, carer status, cultural and / or racial background, disability, gender identity, lived experience, religion or sexual orientation.

How to Apply

To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to ELMO to apply and submit your most up to date resume. If you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details. We are a 2022 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant.