Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Program Manager

About the role

SAHMRI is launching and implementing its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP – Stretch) over the next three years. The RAP Program Manager plays a critical leadership role in driving this work and embedding reconciliation across the organisation.

Reporting to the Co‑Theme Leaders of the Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme, this role leads the planning, coordination, delivery, monitoring and reporting of SAHMRI’s Stretch RAP. You will work closely with the SAHMRI Indigenous collective, RAP Committee and Aboriginal Chairperson, RAP working groups, Corporate Services, external partners and Aboriginal community members.

This is a hands‑on role combining strategic leadership with practical program delivery and strong relationship‑building.

Whilst this role is not an identified position, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who demonstrate established community and cultural partnerships, relationships and engagement experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities include:

RAP Delivery and Program Management

• Lead the delivery of SAHMRI’s Stretch RAP, ensuring actions, milestones and outcomes are achieved
• Monitor progress, identify risks and proactively address issues to maintain momentum
• Prepare high‑quality internal and external reports, including reporting to Reconciliation Australia

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain culturally safe, trusted relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and communities
• Engage internal leaders, research themes and business units to support RAP commitments
• Act as a key point of contact for RAP-related activities across SAHMRI and the broader health and biomedical precinct.

Cultural Capability and Organisational Engagement

• Support the design and delivery of initiatives that build cultural capability across SAHMRI.
• Coordinate organisation-wide reconciliation activities, including events aligned to the RAP calendar.
• Promote awareness and understanding of reconciliation priorities across the organisation.

Governance and Committee Support

• Coordinate RAP governance processes, including RAP Committee and working group meetings
• Track actions, support decision‑making and ensure clear communication of progress

Continuous Improvement and Program Support

• Identify opportunities to improve systems, tools and processes supporting RAP delivery
• Contribute to new initiatives aligned to reconciliation outcomes
• Support broader organisational initiatives where aligned with RAP objectives

About You

The successful candidate will possess the following key attributes:

• Relevant qualifications in community development, social sciences, public policy or a related field are desirable but not essential.

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, communities and contexts

• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, communities and organisations, with a strong focus on building trusted and accountable relationships.
• Experience delivering reconciliation initiatives, including involvement in a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) or similar strategy, is desirable.

• Strong program or project coordination skills, including planning, delivery and reporting
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and facilitation skills

• Ability to coordinate and deliver projects, including managing timelines, priorities and competing demands.
• Experience supporting or contributing to organisational initiatives that build cultural capability or inclusion.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgement in a complex and evolving environment.

• Experience supporting governance processes such as committees or working groups

Special Requirements

• Some out of hours work may be required.
• DCSI Working with Children Check, and Vulnerable Person Related-Employment Screenings will be required.

Everything we do is underpinned by our core values and our institute is dedicated to grow a culture that pursues, enables and demands research excellence. We are proud of the work we do and work hard as a team to make a positive difference to the community.  Our values of excellence, innovation, courage, integrity and teamwork are what help us achieve our goals. If these are also your values and goals, apply today.

As a not-for-profit organisation, SAHMRI employees can access salary packaging options up to $15,900. Salary packaging lets you pay for things like the everyday costs of living with money from your salary before tax. This reduces your taxable income, meaning you could pay less tax and take home more of what you earn. For more information on salary packaging please see the Maxxia website.

For a copy of the position description, please click here.

For more information, please contact Saraid Martin at Saraid.Martin@sahmri.com

Applications close: Friday 15^th May 2026

Applications may close earlier than advertised if a suitable candidate is identified.  

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply