Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) is seeking an experienced and values-driven Program Lead – Leadership and Research Development to join our organisation in a full-time role.

AIDA is the national body representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors and medical students, focused on equitable health and life outcomes for Indigenous people. We do this by working towards population parity of Indigenous medical students and doctors, and supporting a culturally safe healthcare system.

About the Role

Reporting to the Director Medical Workforce Development, the Program Lead – Leadership and Research Development is responsible for leading the design, delivery and continuous improvement of leadership development initiatives, research activities and evidence-informed programs that strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in medicine and health.

The role will support the development of programs that build leadership capability, promote professional growth, strengthen research engagement and translate evidence, insights and emerging practice into practical initiatives that support AIDA’s strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of leadership development and research capability programs that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors and medical students.
• Translate organisational priorities into practical program plans, deliverables, resources and measurable outcomes.
• Design contemporary learning and development activities that support current and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical leaders.
• Coordinate and contribute to research activities, evidence reviews, evaluation projects and knowledge translation initiatives that inform AIDA’s advocacy, programs and strategic decision-making.
• Analyse data, trends, research findings and stakeholder insights to identify opportunities for leadership capability growth and program improvement.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with members, universities, medical colleges, health services, researchers, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, government agencies and sector partners.
• Support national discussions and initiatives that advance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, research participation, cultural safety and health equity.
• Prepare high-quality reports, briefing papers, recommendations, presentations and funding-related documentation.
• Monitor program outcomes and support evaluation, reporting and continuous improvement using robust and culturally appropriate methodologies.
• Manage project timelines, risks, budgets and deliverables in accordance with organisational and funding requirements.

About You

You are a collaborative, organised and values-driven professional with a passion for supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, research capability and positive change in health outcomes. You bring strong stakeholder engagement skills, sound judgement and experience delivering programs, projects or research-informed initiatives in complex environments.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in public health, health education, leadership, research, social sciences, organisational development, human resources or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating or leading leadership development, capability-building, learning, research or program delivery initiatives.
• Experience conducting, interpreting and applying research, evidence or evaluation findings to inform strategy, program design and continuous improvement.
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, cultural safety, self-determination and the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership in medicine and health.
• Proven ability to manage projects, workplans, timelines, risks, reporting requirements and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including members, community stakeholders, researchers, universities, health services and sector partners.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of reports, briefing notes, presentations and program documentation.
• Strong analytical, organisational and critical-thinking skills, with sound judgement and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural safety, health equity, ethical practice and respectful collaboration.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualifications in public health, health leadership, medical education, research, evaluation, policy, governance or business administration.
• Experience with culturally responsive evaluation frameworks, Indigenous Data Sovereignty, research governance, impact measurement or program logic methodologies.
• Experience supporting advisory groups, committees, conferences, consultations or sector forums.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic, curious and evidence-informed.
• Inclusive, culturally aware and respectful.
• Highly organised, adaptable and capable of managing competing priorities.
• Collaborative relationship-builder who inspires trust and accountability.
• A person of integrity who handles sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.
• A strong communicator with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

In return, you will receive:

• A competitive salary
• Salary packaging
• 15% superannuation (4.5% higher than the Superannuation Guarantee rate)
• 20 days annual leave in addition to complimentary leave during Christmas/New Year shutdown period which is not taken out of leave entitlements
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• The opportunity to join a forward-thinking not-for-profit with a desirable workplace culture where you will be a valued team member

next steps

To submit your application, please click ‘Apply Now’ by the closing date.

For further information about this position or AIDA, please contact Theika Andrews, Executive and Project Coordinator at [email protected] using the subject line: Program Lead - Leadership and Research Development enquiry via EthicalJobs.