Rising Program Lead

This role is available as 0.8 to 1.0 FTE.

Reconciliation WA is committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation and providing culturally safe, community-led services. As a measure to achieve equality, Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 applies to this position. This vacancy is open to all applicants however Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and, if deemed suitable, will be prioritised for appointment.

Aligned to Reconciliation WA's (RWA) Strategic Plan and Social Impact Framework, the Rising Program Lead plays a key leadership role in the co-design and delivery of RWA's flagship regional stakeholder engagement initiative – the Rising Program. This role supports the strategic, cultural and operational implementation of the program across regional Western Australia, ensuring a respectful, culturally grounded, and community-led approach. The Rising Program Lead works collaboratively across the organisation and with external stakeholders to plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate program activities, and to build strong relationships with regional communities, Aboriginal organisations, and reconciliation allies. The role is critical to enabling place-based reconciliation at a grassroots level. This role involves a high level of autonomy, cultural competency, program design, and external engagement, and contributes to the organisation's broader impact objectives.

Due to the nature of our work, employees may encounter racism, lateral violence, aggression, abusive behaviour, and strong or offensive language. Applicants should carefully consider this before applying.

We are committed to staff wellbeing and provide appropriate support and workplace safeguards to help employees manage challenging situations safely and respectfully. This warning is not intended to normalise behaviours that are harmful or unacceptable.

Key responsibilities

• Co-lead the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of the Rising Program, ensuring all activities align with RWA's Social Impact Framework and support strategic regional reconciliation outcomes

• Ensure that all regional engagements and Respect-based programs are designed through a strong cultural lens, creating safe, inclusive, and meaningful reconciliation experiences that reflect the histories, aspirations, and dynamics of each region

• Develop and maintain respectful and sustainable relationships with regional stakeholders, including Aboriginal Elders, community organisations, local governments, and sector partners

• Engage local communities in the co-design and delivery of program elements

• Undertake localised research to understand regional histories, cultures, reconciliation priorities, and opportunities

• Use research understanding to inform adaptive program delivery that meets local needs and supports truth-telling and cultural understanding

• Work in partnership with the Marketing, Communications, and online team to develop tailored promotional materials, program collateral, and pre-engagement communications

• Contribute to an online presence for the Rising Program and its regional activities

• Ensure program activities are delivered on time and within budget, with oversight of reporting obligations to key partners, including Reconciliation Australia

• Embed social impact measurement throughout the program lifecycle, ensuring that cultural, community, and organisational outcomes are clearly captured and communicated through qualitative and quantitative evaluation tools

What you will bring

You will be an experienced program leader with the ability to work autonomously, respectfully, and effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders. You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating complex community, social impact, or place-based programs.

• Strong cultural competency and a demonstrated commitment to respectful, community-led practice.

• Experience working collaboratively with Aboriginal communities, organisations, Elders, or community leaders.

• Strong relationship-building, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Experience in program design, delivery, evaluation, reporting, and budget management.

• The ability to conduct community research and translate insights into practical action.

• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.

• Confidence working autonomously while collaborating across a multidisciplinary organisation.

• Experience using a CRM, preferably HubSpot, and the ability to maintain accurate records.

• The ability and willingness to travel throughout regional Western Australia.

Desirable experience

• Experience delivering reconciliation, cultural understanding, or community engagement initiatives.

• Experience working across multiple regional communities.

• Experience with social impact frameworks, evaluation tools, or outcome measurement.

• Experience coordinating regionally based teams, facilitators, or community partners.

Working at Reconciliation WA

Reconciliation WA is a small team with big hearts and passionate about driving change. We are committed to creating a culturally safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace where people from all backgrounds can contribute and thrive. We value lived experience, cultural knowledge, and community connection.

To apply, please submit:

• A current resume; and

• A cover letter outlining how your skills and experience align with this role.

Applications close Friday, 4 September 2026.

For further information, contact acting CEO Steve Martin via email *****@recwa.org.au

Note: An applicant’s right to work in Australia must be confirmed before appointment. A Working with Children Check and Police clearance are also requirements of the role.