Location: Adelaide, Ceduna, Oak Valley, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, or Yalata
Employment Type: 1 Year Fixed-Term Contract, Full-Time 37.5 hours per week

South Australian West Coast ACCHO Network (SAWCAN) is looking for an experienced Aboriginal health leader to join our Executive Team as the General Manager, Programs.

We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running. Someone who brings extensive experience in Aboriginal health, understands the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector and knows what it takes to lead people, manage complex programs and get things done.

This is an executive leadership role suited to someone who is confident making decisions, comfortable managing competing priorities and genuinely enjoys developing and supporting people.

About us

SAWCAN is a regional partnership of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) working together to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

Our region stretches approximately 1,300 kilometres from Whyalla to the Western Australian border.

We work alongside our member services to strengthen local delivery, build workforce capability, share knowledge and advocate for the health priorities of our communities.

We're a small, growing organisation with staff working across multiple locations. We value strong relationships, open communication, practical solutions and people who follow through.

About the role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the General Manager, Programs is a key member of SAWCAN's Executive Team, responsible for leading our regional health programs and the people who manage them.

Our programs span cancer care, social and emotional wellbeing, disability and aged care, tobacco control and clinical workforce support.





You'll oversee program delivery, budgets, contracts and reporting, while working closely with member ACCHOs, funding bodies and regional partners.

We need someone who can step into this role with confidence, quickly understand our programs and priorities, and provide strong leadership from the outset.

People leadership is a big part of this position. You'll be expected to provide clear direction, build staff capability, address challenges early and support a positive and accountable team culture.

We're looking for someone who leads with empathy and emotional intelligence, but who is also comfortable making decisions, having difficult conversations and taking ownership when things don't go to plan.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading, mentoring and developing a team of program managers and health professionals.

Overseeing regional health programs, ensuring delivery is on time, within budget and meets funding requirements.

Managing program contracts, budgets, performance and reporting obligations.

Building solid relationships with member ACCHOs, funding bodies and regional partners.

Working with the CEO and member services to identify regional health priorities and develop practical responses.

Using program data and evaluation to improve delivery, demonstrate outcomes and support regional advocacy.

Identifying challenges early,



making sound decisions and finding practical solutions.

Contributing to organisational strategy, policy development and future funding opportunities.

Working from Home

This is a primarily work-from-home position, with regular travel across regional South Australian communities. To be suitable for this role, you must already have a safe, suitable and secure home workspace with reliable internet access, a dedicated desk and an appropriate office chair. You must have these items available, as they will not be supplied by SAWCAN.

Your home workspace will be subject to a Work Health and Safety assessments and must be approved by SAWCAN before working from home arrangements can commence. Work Health and Safety requirements apply to your home working environment as it usually would in an office environment. You will be expected to identify and manage potential hazards, report risks and maintain a safe and compliant workspace.

You must also be able to work independently and professionally, with a strong focus on confidentiality, fatigue management and maintaining a secure, distraction-free work environment.

About you

Extensive experience in Aboriginal health is essential for this role.

We're looking for someone who already understands the sector, the importance of Aboriginal community control and the realities of delivering health programs across regional and remote communities.

A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience is required.

This role will suit someone who:

Has permanent working rights in Australia and resides in South Australia.

Holds, or is willing to obtain, a National Police Check issued within the past three years and a South Australia

📌 General Manager, Programs (Newcastle)
🏢 South Australian West Coast ACCHO Network
📍 Newcastle