Executive Manager - Policy and Consulting
First People Recruitment Solutions – Melbourne VIC
Full time
Hybrid
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 ****, Lowitja Institute were formally established in **** and became a community controlled organisation in ****, 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 recent 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 strong 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.
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📌 Executive Manager - Policy And Consulting (Melbourne)
🏢 First People Recruitment Solutions
📍 Melbourne