• Contract Term: Fixed-term contract (5 years). SAGE is a remote workplace
• Terms of appointment: The location and working hours are flexible, and we welcome applicants seeking part-time or other flexible work arrangements.
• Salary Range: $120,000 plus 11.5% superannuation
• Reports to Director, Program Development

About Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE)

Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) is a leading program driving transformational change in gender equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in workplaces across Australian tertiary education and research sectors.

SAGE is launching a new five-year project, funded by the Australian Government, to support gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in TAFEs and Medical Research Institutes (MRI). This marks SAGE’s commitment to adapting its approach to the MRI sector—an exciting opportunity to develop and pilot a nationally recognised accreditation framework designed to meet the sector’s specific needs. The framework will be co-designed with sector leaders to ensure it is practical, meaningful, and aligned with institutional priorities.

About the role

The Program Manager – MRI will play a strategic leadership role in engaging with the MRI sector to support the consultation and co-design process, piloting, and implementation of the new accreditation framework.

Bringing deep knowledge of the MRI sector, the Program Manager will lead stakeholder and partnership engagement, sector-wide consultations, and framework development, ensuring the accreditation model is co-designed to meet sector needs.

This role will collaborate closely with the Program Manager – TAFE to ensure a cohesive, cross-sector approach and align accreditation framework development. Additionally, the Program Manager – MRI will work with the Director, Program and Sector Development to integrate sector insights into the broader accreditation strategy and implementation plans.

This position offers an opportunity to contribute to sector-wide EDI transformation, positioning MRIs as leaders in workforce diversity and inclusion while ensuring education environments are inclusive, fair, and respectful for all.

Expected outcomes and accountabilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with MRI leaders, government agencies, and peak bodies, and relevant stakeholders, leveraging sector knowledge and networks to enhance engagement.
• Lead MRI sector consultations, ensuring stakeholder needs are identified and addressed through structured feedback and co-design processes.
• Support piloting institutions in implementing and testing the accreditation framework, gathering feedback, and facilitating iterative refinements.
• Provide expert guidance and tailored support to MRIs on accreditation, EDI strategies, and inclusive workplace best practices.
• Collaborate with the Director – Program and Sector Development and Program Manager – TAFE to ensure alignment, share insights, and contribute to the cohesive development of the SAGE Framework.
• Represent SAGE and the project at sector events, conferences, and forums, positioning the accreditation framework as a key driver of MRI workforce reform.

Required capabilities

Candidates must demonstrate the following skills and experience:

• Sector Knowledge: Extensive understanding of the MRI sector, including education policy, workforce structures, governance, and funding models.
• Stakeholder and Partnership Engagement: Proven ability to build and manage strong relationships with MRI and education leaders, policymakers, peak bodies, and workforce development organisations, demonstrating influence and effective collaboration.
• Program and Project Management: Proven experience in managing education sector frameworks, structured programs, or workforce development initiatives, including piloting and scaling sector-wide initiatives.
• Sector Consultations: Expertise in planning and facilitating sector-wide consultations, using techniques such as co-design, story mapping, and structured feedback processes.
• Business Analysis: Ability to translate stakeholder insights into actionable plans and contribute to the development of data-driven accreditation frameworks.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage diverse audiences and influence sector-wide change.

Desired capabilities

In addition to the core competencies, the following skills and attributes are highly desirable:

• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Expertise: Experience in EDI strategies, inclusive workforce policies, and organisational change initiatives.
• Advocacy: Ability to represent SAGE and its initiatives at high-level government and sector events, forums, and conferences.
• Data and Evaluation Literacy: Ability to analyse engagement trends, synthesise pilot program insights, and contribute to evaluation and reporting processes.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification and/or extensive experience working within the MRI sector, ideally in a program management, workforce development, or EDI-related role.

How we work

We value diverse perspectives and foster an environment where employees can contribute their expertise while growing professionally.

We offer:

• a culture that is committed to achieving results and values innovation
• flexible working arrangements, including remote working arrangements (work from home)
• excellent working conditions
• attractive salary packages including superannuation and a range of other benefits.

Next steps

People with diverse identities and lived experiences are strongly encouraged to apply. Research shows that while men apply to jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women and people from marginalised groups tend to only apply when they meet all the criteria. If you think you could do this job, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please apply or get in touch anyway. We'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please include (1) a cover letter outlining how your skills, knowledge and expertise could contribute to the role, and (2) your resume.

Further information on the position is available from:

Name: Isabelle Kingsley

Email: [email protected], using the subject line: Program Manager - Medical Research Institutes - Remote / Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must be legally permitted to work in Australia.