Pathways Program Manager

Job Title

Job Description

An excellent opportunity is available for a Pathways Program Manager to join the Engagement and Communications Department at Australia's pre-eminent biomedical research institute.

About the Position

WEHI is committed to seeing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples engaged at the scientific frontier, making exciting discoveries and decisions about the future of health in Australia, and being part of a leading professional services workforce supporting the realisation of these discoveries.

Our Reconciliation Action Plan has a strong focus on supporting the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientists and a commitment to work collaboratively with key partners, including in the community and education sectors, on mutually beneficial goals.

The Program Manager is responsible for managing and implementing an exciting partnership between WEHI and DeadlyScience, which aims to inspire young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's interest in science and deliver innovative education outreach activities to secondary schools and communities.

The Program Manager will be responsible for the design, planning and implementation of the pathways program in partnership with DeadlyScience. The Program Manager will also work collaboratively with WEHI internal stakeholders including the Diversity and Inclusion and Engagement and Communications teams to help deliver on WEHI's reconciliation and Indigenous employment and education commitments. 

Selection Criteria
Knowledge and Skills:

• Deep understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and protocols.

• Established relationships with First Nations communities, organisations and schools with strong connections in Victoria preferred. 

• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering education programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

• Previous experience in developing and maintaining strong partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

• Excellent project management skills with proven experience managing complex projects.

• Planning and organisational skills, with experience establishing priorities, allocating resources and meeting deadlines.

• Ability to investigate, analyse and consolidate information to develop effective proposals, plans and reports. 

• Demonstrated collaborative approach to program design and implementation including knowledge and implementation of co-design principles. 

• Operational delivery skills including planning, stakeholder engagement and supplier management.

Personal Qualities:

• Demonstrable personal commitment to working towards equity and justice for First Nations people.

• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to communicate sensitively and respectfully with a range of internal and external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

• An inclusive work style that supports a cooperative culture throughout WEHI and that promotes collaboration with the external stakeholders.

• High level of motivation, enthusiasm and initiative including a commitment to continuous improvement. 

• Commitment to child safe standards. 

Qualifications:

• Education, community development or STEM qualification highly desirable or equivalent alternate combination of knowledge, training and/or experience.

• Project management methodology qualification highly desirable or equivalent alternate combination of knowledge, training and/or experience.

• Current Victorian Working with Children Check. 

Terms of Appointment
This position is available for 12 months in a full time capacity. Salary is Professional Services Employee Level 8 ($118,099 - $127,828). Up to 17% superannuation and very attractive salary packaging options are available.

We are committed to increasing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in science and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates for this role

General enquiries can be directed to Jaci Hoysted, Senior Communications and Events Manager -

A position description is available here.

How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your CV and cover letter in pdf format. Please address in your cover letter your motivation for applying for this role, and how your skills and experience align with the key selection criteria.

Application Closing Date: Thursday 16 October 2025.