Program Manager, Policy

Program Manager Policy

Shape the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health by leading a passionate policy team at Lowitja Institute, based in Naarm. As Program Manager, Policy, you'll guide and empower a high performing team to turn research into action, elevate community voices and influence national policies that improve health outcomes. This full time role offers a hybrid working arrangement with in-office collaboration days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and the flexibility to work from home on Monday and Friday.

This role is classified as Level 9 role under Lowitja Institute's current Enterprise Agreement (with a base salary range of $131,046 - $138,535). The successful applicant will be offered remuneration that is commensurate with their skills and experience and in alignment with this framework.

About the role

As Program Manager, Policy, you will lead and inspire a dynamic policy team delivering Lowitja Institute's policy and advocacy priorities. Reporting directly to the Executive Manager, Policy and Consulting, you will oversee strategic projects from conception to impact, ensuring research is translated into practical evidence-based policy. This role involves building strong partnerships across sectors, shaping national policy discussions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and representing Lowitja Institute in forums, committees and stakeholder engagements. You will also foster a collaborative, culturally safe and high-performing team environment, supporting professional development and wellbeing while driving outcomes aligned with Lowitja Institute's 2024–2027 Strategic Plan.

About Lowitja Institute

Lowitja Institute is Australia's only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health research institute, named in honour of its patron, the late Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue AC CBE DSG, working for the health and wellbeing of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by facilitating high-impact quality research and knowledge exchange, and by supporting a new generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health researchers.

About you

You're a strategic and collaborative leader with a strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. You bring experience in policy development, research, evaluation or project management, coupled with the ability to guide and support a high performing team. You have excellent communication, analytical and problem solving skills, and can build meaningful relationships across sectors to translate evidence into action. Your commitment to cultural safety, empowerment and community-led impact ensures that your team's work drives positive change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes.

What we offer

• Flexible hybrid working: based in Melbourne with required in-office collaboration days Tuesday to Thursday and the option to work from home Monday and Friday
• Competitive salary
• Salary sacrifice options
• Health related allowances
• Professional development allowance
• Annual leave loading
• Extra leave during the end of year shutdown, providing staff with a longer break beyond their standard annual leave

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership of the Policy Program, ensuring projects deliver meaningful impact and align with Lowitja Institute's 2024–2027 Strategic Plan
• Support, mentor and develop a skilled policy team in a culturally safe and collaborative environment
• Turn research insights into practical policy recommendations and advocacy initiatives
• Build and nurture strong relationships across sectors to strengthen Lowitja Institute's influence and reach
• Represent the Policy Program in national committees, working groups and stakeholder forums
• Oversee evaluation and reporting to track the effectiveness and impact of policy and advocacy work

Selection criteria

1. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent (identified position under section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 Vic)
2. Proven leadership experience, including the ability to guide, support and develop a culturally safe and high-performing team
3. Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing, with a commitment to cultural safety and community engagement
4. Demonstrated experience in policy development, research and evaluation or project management, with the ability to deliver strategic outcomes
5. Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience influencing stakeholders and translating research into action
6. Ability to work collaboratively and independently, including participation in interstate travel and work outside standard hours as required
7. Full time, Melbourne based role with required in-office collaboration days Tuesday to Thursday and the option to work from home Monday and Friday
8. Current or obtainable Working with Children/Vulnerable People Check

How to apply

To apply, please submit your application addressing the essential skills and attributes outlined above. Applications should be addressed to:

Ms Kim Waldron
People and Quality Officer
Lowitja Institute

Applications close: 17 November 2025