The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences is seeking an exceptional program and partnerships leader to join our team in a new senior role.

The Manager, Programs and Partnerships will lead the delivery of our mentoring programs and shape the partnerships that drive the Academy’s impact. The central focus of the role is the national scale-up of our Inclusive Leadership Mentoring Program for Health and Medical Research (ILMP).

About the program

The ILMP is a highly regarded, six-month cross-organisational program that has supported more than 800 participants over the past decade, with a published evaluation in BMJ Open demonstrating strong outcomes. With funding now secured from the Australian Government through the Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WISE) Grant Round 5, the Academy will scale the program nationally over five years – transforming a NSW-centred initiative into a truly national platform driving cultural and systemic change in how the sector develops, supports and retains women leaders.

The expansion will include new program cohorts across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA and SA, a national Inclusive Leadership Workshop series, an alumni network co-designed with past participants, and a travel grants scheme to enable participation by women from under-represented groups.

About the role

Reporting to the CEO, the Manager, Programs and Partnerships will lead the day-to-day delivery of the Academy’s mentoring programs and develop our strategic approach to partnerships. It is a rare opportunity to take a program with a proven track record and grow it into a truly national platform, with real scope to shape how it is delivered and to make a lasting difference to gender equity in health and medical research.

The role will:

• Lead operational delivery and national expansion of the ILMP, including new cohorts, a workshop series, alumni network and travel grants scheme.
• Identify, recruit and build strong relationships with partner organisations across the sector.
• Manage the grant budget, milestones and reporting in line with the funding agreement.
• Coordinate delivery of the AAHMS Mentorship Program for Advancing Research Leaders.
• Develop and embed the Academy’s strategic approach to partnerships.

About you

We are looking for someone with a proven track record of managing successful, multi-year, multi-stakeholder programs, ideally in a scientific, health, research or higher education setting. You will combine strong program development and management skills with the interpersonal skills to work effectively with senior academics, health professionals, partner organisations and funders, and you will bring a commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusion in the sector.

Details and how to apply

This is a full-time, five-year role based in Canberra, Sydney or Brisbane, with hybrid working and very attractive salary packaging. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO and our small, dynamic team.

Applications close 9.00am AEST, Monday 27 July 2026. The full position description and details on how to apply are available to download below.

Download the position description

For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Catherine Luckin, CEO, at [email protected].

AAHMS values social and cultural diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.