Program Manager

The Opportunity

Here at The Kids Research Institute Australia our vision is simple; Happy, Healthy Kids! We want kids to be able to live their lives to the healthiest and happiest, right here in our community - and around the world.

Our BREATH Team (Building Respiratory Equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health) play an important role in achieving this vision with the aim to optimise lung health of kids, with a focus on lung health in First Nations children.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Program Manager to join the team, to provide oversight and coordinate a broad range of research projects in the field of lung health.

As our Program Manager, you will play a significant role in the direction and delivery of the strategic priorities of our team. This will see you leverage on your skills and experience in research project management, financial management and stakeholder engagement, with a key part of this position being around team leadership & managing staff.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating day-to-day activities relating to the team’s research portfolio.
• Overseeing legal agreements and contracts for the program.
• Managing the development of budgets, forecasting and financial management/reporting.
• Engaging with national and international collaborators and external organisations (such as universities, funding bodies, government partners).

Based at our modern office in Nedlands, this is currently a part-time (0.6 FTE) opportunity and a 1-year contract covering parental leave. 0.8 FTE may be considered.

About You

This is a diverse and rewarding role that requires dedication to working with a number of internal and external stakeholders, and would suit someone with a research background, strong program management skills and familiarity with the research or academic sector.

• Highly developed project planning, coordination, and management skills; ability to lead the development and implementation of multiple research projects.
• Experience working as part of a team in a multi-diverse research environment.
• Knowledge of Aboriginal health research and demonstrated empathy and respect for Aboriginal culture.
• Excellent financial stewardship and financial management of diverse funding bodies.
• Ability to facilitate stakeholder engagement.

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 strengthen 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 click on 'Apply Now' to visit our Career Site, view the Job Description, and submit your application.

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 recruitment@thekids.org.au.

Click here for the Job Description

Contact Name: Caris Jalla

Contact Email: caris.jalla@thekids.org.au

Closing Date: 28/10/2026 - We reserve the right to hire prior to the closing date.