Programs and Partnerships Manager

Job type: Full time, 5-year contract

Location: Canberra, Sydney or Brisbane (hybrid)

Salary: $130,000–$140,000 + super + salary packaging

We're looking for an exceptional program and partnerships leader to join the Academy at a pivotal moment.

The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) is Australia's authority on, and trusted voice of, health and medical science. Our Fellows are among the very best of Australia's health and medical researchers and clinician scientists. We bring together the right people across research, policy and practice to provide independent, evidence-based advice on the issues that shape Australia's health.

About the role

This is a new senior role, created to lead the delivery of our mentoring programs and to shape and grow the partnerships that drive our impact.

Your central focus will be the national scale-up of our Inclusive Leadership Mentoring Program for Health and Medical Research – a highly regarded, program that has supported more than 800 participants over the past decade, with published evidence of strong outcomes. With funding secured through the Australian Government's Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, you will help transform what is currently a NSW-centred initiative into a truly national platform driving cultural and systemic change in how the sector develops, supports and retains women leaders.

You will also coordinate our long-running Mentorship Program for advancing research leaders, and work with the CEO to develop a more strategic, coordinated approach to partnerships across the Academy's activities.

What you'll do

• Lead operational delivery and national expansion of the Inclusive Leadership Mentoring Program, including new cohorts across VIC, QLD, WA and SA (in addition to NSW), a national workshop series, an alumni network and a 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

You will bring 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. Experience developing strategic external relationships and managing project budgets will set you up for success, as will a commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusion in the sector.

What we offer

A genuinely meaningful role at a pivotal moment, working closely with the CEO and a small, dynamic team across Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane, with hybrid working and very attractive salary packaging.

How to apply

For the full position description and details on how to apply, visit https://aahms.org/news/we-are-hiring-manager-programs-and-partnerships or hit Apply.

Applications close 9.00am AEST, Monday 27 July 2026.

For a confidential conversation, 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.