- Identified role for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants
- Flexible location across Australia, National leadership role
- Competitive executive remuneration package, full-time fixed-term contract

About the Organisation

Lowitja Institute is Australia's only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health research institute. Named in honour of the late Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue AC CBE DSG. Lowitja Institute are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through high-impact research, knowledge sharing, and nurturing the next generation of First Nations health researchers.

With roots dating back to 1997, Lowitja Institute were formally established in 2010 and became a community controlled organisation in 2020, guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership.

About the Role

This senior leadership role leads Lowitja Institute's public policy, advocacy and consulting work. You'll set the direction for how Lowitja Institute shapes the policy that affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research, and how research gets turned into real-world policy, practice and systems change.

You'll lead a team of six, fostering a high performing, collaborative and values driven culture. You'll also grow and strengthen Lowitja Institute's growing consulting arm, which covers policy, evaluation, facilitation, strategic planning, training and ethical frameworks. You'll run the GLOWS grant program from start to finish, and you'll represent Lowitja Institute in high profile national and international forums.

Key Duties

- Lead policy analysis and advocacy, including policy positions, submissions, briefs, discussion papers and reports
- Advise the CEO and Deputy CEO on new policy developments, advocacy priorities, consulting opportunities and risks
- Design and deliver consulting services, from scoping, proposals and budgets through to managing subcontractors, contracts and deliverables, while identifying opportunities to expand Lowitja Institute's consulting portfolio and impact
- Run the GLOWS grant program end to end,



from grant rounds and assessment through contracting, monitoring and close-out, and meet head agreement obligations
- Oversee planning, budgets, resourcing and reporting across policy, consulting and knowledge translation
- Measure the impact of policy, advocacy and consulting work, and drive continuous improvement and organisational impact
- Continue to build and foster trusted partnerships with communities, government, research institutions, funders and clients
- Coach and develop your team, and build a collaborative and accountable culture

About You

- Demonstrated lived experience, connection to and knowledge of the health, wellbeing and self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- A postgraduate qualification (or equivalent) and extensive senior experience in policy, advocacy or consulting in ACCO, government, research or not-for-profit settings
- A robust track record in government policy processes, with the ability to give authoritative advice and influence policy outcomes
- Experience leading consulting services and complex projects, including business development and writing proposals
- Experience managing major grant programs, funding agreements and relationships with funders
- Strategic leadership, with sharp analytical and problem-solving skills and sound judgement
- Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder skills, including influencing senior decision-makers

More than a job. More reasons to join!

- 14% superannuation contributions
- Four (4) weeks annual leave (with 17.5% leave loading) per year
- Paid end of year office closure
- 15 days personal/carer's leave per year
- Five (5) days paid cultural and ceremonial leave per year




- Flexible working arrangements, including working from home or hybrid in Naarm
- Additional leave options, including purchased annual leave, leave at half pay and other leave entitlements
- Professional development allowance
- Health and wellbeing allowance
- Paid study leave
- Salary sacrifice arrangements
- Play a key role in Lowitja Institute's flagship International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference, helping shape and deliver a major international gathering that brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders, researchers, policymakers and changemakers to advance health and wellbeing
- Generous time off in lieu (TOIL) associated with major events and conference delivery, including a paid post Lowitja Conference office closure
- Employee-led networks that foster collaboration, professional growth and staff voice, including a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff network supporting cultural connection and shared learning.

For a detailed position description please contact Marisa Conlon, [email protected]

How to Apply

Click APPLY or contact Marisa Conlon, Senior Consultant, Talent Acquisition at [email protected] for further information on the role.

Please submit applications in Word format only by midnight, 1st November 2026.

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions is a majority Aboriginal owned agency providing contingent contracts, fixed term contracts and permanent recruitment solutions to Government and Corporate Australia.

Our Head Office is based in Canberra with a national reach to all the states and territories, regional and remote areas of Australia.

FIRST PEOPLE Recruitment Solutions acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures; and to elders past, present and emerging.

Consultant

[email protected]

Reference number: 200004356
Profession:OtherOther

Company: First People Recruitment Solutions
Date posted: 15th Oct, 2026

📌 Executive Manager - Policy and Consulting Just posted! (Melbourne)
🏢 First People Recruitment Solutions
📍 Melbourne