Project Officer – First Nations Special Projects

• Salary breakdown: $73,000 – $88,000 + Superannuation + Salary Packaging ($15,900.00 + Meal & Entertainment expenses)
• Flexible working arrangements – Sydney based required in Randwick office 1-2 days per week / Remote required in Randwick office once per quarter
• 1 FTE, Contract Ending 31/07/2025

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 full lifespan, our aim is to create a mentally healthier world for everyone. For over 20 years, we have been at the forefront of mental health research and have maintained a reputation as the face of mental health research and treatment in Australia. 

Through our unique ‘translational’ research approach, we turn our world-class research into treatments, prevention strategies, clinical services, educational programs, and e-health products. These allow us to continue our work in leading Australia’s population health response, and champion the ongoing conversation of mental health in our society.

Our work is used to distributed through the public and is used to drive evidence informed change across the mental health sector, setting the foundation for a brighter and healthier future for all.

Benefits

• Remote/ hybrid work, 1-2 days per week in office if Sydney based
• 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

The Role

The First Nations Special Projects Officer fulfils a key position within the Black Dog Institute to assist in achieving our strategic goal to be a trusted partner to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the improvement of social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB). The role holds responsibility to work alongside the Head of First Nations Strategy Implementation in the establishment and expansion of the First Nations Strategy Consultancy stream. This role is essential in establishing sound cultural responsiveness focused quality services and programs to wider organisations. 

Duties & Responsibilities

Consultancy development and Implementation:

• Assist Head of First Nations Strategy Implementation with establishment of First Nations Strategy Consultancy.
• Develop and disseminate First Nations Strategy Consultancy marketing products and information in partnership with Marketing and Communications team.
• Identify and compile submissions for First Nations social and emotional wellbeing focused consultancy opportunities.
• Lead consultancy work focused on First Nations social and emotional wellbeing, and First Nations program evaluation.
• Review, evaluate and monitor First Nations focused programs, services and products for cultural responsiveness and quality assurance.
• Provide a range of project management services including preparation of project plans, reports, communication, and engagement plans and evaluation methodology to ensure outcomes are achieved on time.
• Develop key project management documents and processes such as project engagement protocols, project management plan and risk assessments.
• Assist with the development of First Nations specific resources to assist with cultural capacity of wider BDI Directorates.
• Work in conjunction with Head of First Nations Strategy Implementation and First Nations Project Officer – Policy to support where appropriate the development of policy and procedure and review of BDI PSPs.
• Work collaboratively in a strengths focused manner with both First Nations Strategy and Partnerships Directorate, as well as across BDI to achieve strategic and project-based goals and milestones.
• Create and maintain system documentation.

Stakeholder Communication:

• Manage relationships with external suppliers and platforms, including external marketing agencies.
• Promote First Nations Consultancy programs through presentations to clients/partners, attendance at networking events, conferences and related events.
• Provide regular updates to internal and external customers on project/ review/ resource developments.
• Facilitate communication and manage relations across all BDI Directorates of the organisation as well as key external stakeholder groups.
• Provide regular updates to internal and/ or external stakeholders on project developments in a collaborative, constructive manner.

Planning and Reporting:

• Provide accurate and timely reports on project findings as requested and contribute to the dissemination of results.
• Document and communicate evaluation methods and findings to both internal and external audiences, including preparation of regular reports.
• Use Microsoft Excel to produce high level reports

Skills & Experience Required

Essential Criteria:

• It is an occupational requirement that this position be filled by an Aboriginal /and or Torres Strait Islander person as per 50d of the Equal Opportunity act 1984.
• Tertiary qualified (or equivalent) in psychology, public health or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in First Nations focused consultancy services.
• Sound organisational skills and the ability to work autonomously and effectively as a team member, to prioritise, meet deadlines and see tasks and projects through to completion, and to take personal accountability for results to deliver outcomes.
• Working knowledge of First Nations social and emotional wellbeing.
• Working knowledge of digital and social platforms, strategies and tools, and awareness of digital trends and use across market.
• Experience in digital marketing techniques.
• Sound written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability building and/or maintaining productive working relationships.
• Experience managing websites.
• A knowledge of EEO principles and OH&S responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant OH&S training.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience in the Not for Profit sector.
• Experience in First Nations project evaluation and consultancy.
• Experience working in youth mental health and/or with schools and youth educators.
• Experience with InDesign and/or the development of promotional materials such as brochures.

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 ELMO 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.