About the Institute

Located on Gadigal and Bidjigal land (Randwick NSW), Black Dog Institute is the only Medical Research Institute in Australia to investigate mental health across the lifespan, our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. For the past 20 years, we have been at the forefront of mental health research. Our work is used to drive evidence informed change across the rapidly expanding mental health sector and sets the foundations for a brighter and healthier future for all. We house the only Lived Experience centre for First Nations peoples in the world. The centre elevates the voices of First Nations peoples and shares their stories to co-design, inform, and deliver culturally responsive mental health and suicide prevention initiatives.

Benefits

• 35 hour work week, flexible hours agreements & 9-day fortnights
• Salary Packaging: $15,900.00 of your base salary tax free & up to $2650.00 meal & entertainment
• Family first, people first culture, we put our research into action at work to make sure we maintain mental health and wellbeing at work
• Pet friendly workplace
• Leave benefits including public holiday swap, gifted leave, and wellbeing leave 
• Employee discounts 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Lived Experience Centre

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Lived Experience Centre is the first of its kind and aims to build a network of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lived Experience participants to enable mental health services to deliver culturally focused and safe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led suicide prevention and mental wellbeing.

Job Purpose

This role is pivotal in coordinating and delivering proactive, efficient administrative support while fostering strategic partnerships with local community organisations across regional Local Lived Experience Networks (LLEN) sites.  As a key coordinator, it ensures seamless collaboration and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and stakeholders.  

Reporting directly to the National Network Manager for LLEN, the position plays a critical role in promoting ILEC Mental Health and Suicide Prevention (MHSP) project initiatives and advancing meaningful engagement opportunities for LLEN members. 

Additionally, as directed by management, it provides leadership and support for initiatives connected to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Local Lived Experience Centre (ILEC), reflecting a deep commitment to strengthening relationships and driving community-focused outcomes around the establishment and sustainability of LLEN.

Duties & Responsibilities

Project Planning and Management: 

• Reports to National Network Manager LLEN and provide regularly communication around progress through detailed reports and status updates aligning efforts with project goals.
• Develop and execute detailed objectives in line with the MHSP project agreement
• Monitor project progress by utilising relevant project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Trello, or Asana to track tasks, milestones, and deadlines.  Employ dashboards and Gantt charts for real-time updates, ensuring timely identification and resolution of potential risks or delays. 
• Track milestones and budgets ensuring that this is maintained within set targets 
• Implement risk management strategies to ensure community initiatives achieve their goals and align with project objectives.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, stakeholders, and partner organisations, acting as a facilitator to foster collaboration
• Promote initiatives through facilitating meetings and establishing agreements and events to encourage community and stakeholder involvement.
• Respond promptly and professionally to LLEN inquiries across email, phone, Microsoft Teams, and postal mail to ensure seamless stakeholder engagement.

Facilitate Local Networks: 

• Support the development and sustainability of local lived experience networks by coordinating outreach, fostering stakeholder connections, and providing logistical and administrative assistance.

Administration & logistics: 

• Develop and deliver high-quality briefing notes, reports, presentations, memos, and other communications to support LLEN activities and objectives.
• Strategically manage site visits, event logistics, and scheduling to ensure effective oversight, seamless operations, and successful outcomes, including coordinating site assessments, event planning, and diary and travel management for regional activities.
• Undertake additional tasks and projects as assigned by National Network Manager and Senior ILEC Management, demonstrating flexibility, initiative, and a proactive approach to shifting priorities, with the ability and readiness to contribute across all jurisdictions.

Work, Health and Safety 

• Report any WHS hazards and significant issues to Head of Operations, People & Culture or delegate 
• Work in a safe manner, applying a duty of care 

Note: the list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the Institute may change or request additional activities to meet the operational needs of the business

Skills & Experience Required 

Essential Criteria:

1. Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Requirement: This position is designated for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, in alignment with occupational requirements.
2. Lived and Living Experience: Demonstrated ability to leverage personal lived and living experience to connect with and support diverse communities, fostering trust, empathy, and understanding.  Proven capacity to translate these experiences into actionable insights that inform program development, policy advocacy, and meaningful engagement with stakeholders.
3. Minimum Qualification Requirement: Possess a Certificate IV qualification or equivalent in a relevant field, demonstrating the foundational knowledge and skills required for the role.
4. Coordination, Facilitation and Communication Skills: Demonstrated expertise in effective communication and interpersonal engagement across diverse audiences, combined with proven experience in coordinating and facilitating workgroups, meetings, and workshops to drive collaboration and achieve outcomes.
5. Organisational and Multitasking Ability: Proven organisational skills with the capacity to prioritise, multitask, and manage multiple projects to meet deadlines.
6. Computer Literacy: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
7. Independent and Team Collaboration: Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a team member.
8. Problem-Solving and Process Improvement: Experience in high-volume work environments, with the initiative to resolve administrative issues and implement process improvements.
9. Confidential Record Keeping: High attention to detail and experience maintaining accurate and confidential records.
10. Time and Task Management: Demonstrated ability to manage time efficiently and prioritise tasks effectively.
11. EEO and OH&S Knowledge: Understanding of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) responsibilities, with a commitment to ongoing training.
12. Flexibility in Work Arrangements: Willingness to travel, attend events outside standard working hours, or support projects across jurisdictions.
13. Understanding of Non-Profit Challenges: Awareness of the unique challenges faced by non-profits, including limited resources and the need for creative problem-solving.

Specific Working Conditions:

• This position may require you to work virous areas besides those that are identified in this role description and may also inherit other programs.
• This position requires the incumbent to operate a ‘C’ Class Drivers Licence.  An appropriate licence endorsement to operate this type of vehicle is required. Proof of this endorsement must be provided before commencement of duty. 
• Travel across the rural and remote regions will be a requirement of this position in commercial and/or light aircraft and 4WD vehicles (off road driving).  

EEO Statement

Black Dog Institute is committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects our wider community. We ensure equal employment opportunity for all, regardless of age, appearance, carer status, cultural and/or racial background, disability, gender identity, lived experience, religion or sexual orientation. 

How to Apply

To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the Apply Now link to apply and submit your most up to date resume. If you are shortlisted for the role, we will call you and let you know you are successful. Please do not respond to any suspicious emails requesting you to upload your ID or personal details. We are a 2022 Circle Back Initiative Employer and commit to respond to every applicant. Candidates who progress to interview will be required to provide confirmation of aborigionality, either through a certificate or statutory declaration.