Director, Djaalinj Waakinj Centre for Ear and Hearing Health

Pursuant of Section 50(d) of the Equal Employment Opportunities Act 1984, the occupant of this position must be of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

The Opportunity

The Ear and Hearing Health team here at The Kids Research Institute Australia is a multidisciplinary group whose aim is to understand the causes of otitis media (OM, middle ear infection), reduce the prevalence of chronic OM and hearing loss and improve developmental and educational outcomes for all children, with a particular focus on Aboriginal kids.

An integral linkage for our team is the Aboriginal Community Advisory Group which guides the team in working in a culturally sensitive manner and provides direction to ensure the program is relevant and appropriate for their communities.

We are now seeking a Director to provide strategic guidance and cultural governance to the Djaalinj Waakinj Centre for Ear and Hearing Health.

In this position, you will provide high level strategic support and guidance to the planning, implementation and evaluation of the Djaalinj Waakinj Centre. You will work closely with and guide the Djaalinj Waakinj staff to cultivate a productive, efficient and culturally safe environment for the Aboriginal families.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Build the reputation of Djaalinj Waakinj Centre for Ear and Hearing Health and the Ear Health Research Team with the wider community, stakeholders, service providers and researchers.
• Ensure the team is working in a culturally appropriate way in developing and delivering both the service and research.
• Participate in research development and implementation, including attending research clinics as needed.

This position will be offered 2-year fixed term, on a part-time (0.5FTE) basis with a possibility of further extension. You will be based both at the Perth Children's Hospital and at Cockburn Integrated Health.

About You

This leadership position would suit someone with a strong understanding of Aboriginal health and wellbeing and experience leading the delivery of culturally appropriate projects.

The key to your success will be your demonstrated experience in the following:

• Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal health and wellbeing and the challenges facing Aboriginal people in accessing services and programs.
• Experience in Aboriginal community engagement and developing relationships.
• Experience in leading the delivery of culturally appropriate projects and/or a health-related service.
• Experience in mentoring staff.
• Experience in strategic planning.
• Ability to build and maintain high level stakeholder relationships.

At The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are committed to building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve. We actively recruit support and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ people, people of all ages, and those with diverse lived experiences. We also provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

If you meet many, but not all, of the role requirements, we encourage you to apply. We also welcome you to mention any career breaks in your cover letter to help us understand your journey.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we:

• Support staff-led inclusion and allyship groups.
• Offer flexible work practices that recognise different needs and life stages.
• Provide training, development and mentoring opportunities to increase inclusive leadership and create an environment where all staff can thrive.
• Partner with communities to strength cultural awareness and belonging.
• Ensure adjustments and accessible practices are available for diverse community groups.
• We continually strive to measure our progress and improve where we can.

Alongside our inclusive culture, you'll enjoy:

• Extra annual leave at Christmas and Easter.
• Salary packaging and entertainment benefits.
• Health and wellbeing programs with weekly events.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Recognition and professional development opportunities, including LinkedIn Learning.
• Modern offices with sit-to-stand desks and end-of-trip facilities.
• Staff discounts on travel, IT, stationery, and access to corporate health insurance.

How to apply

If this role feels like the right fit and an exciting new opportunity for you,

Please include a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) that specifically addresses the skills and experience outlined in the "About You" section.

Applications will only be accepted through our career portal. If you are experiencing technical difficulties or require reasonable accommodations in completing your application, please contact

Contact Name: Professor Chris Brennan-Jones

Contact Email: chris.brennan-

Closing Date: 28/11/2025 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.