About The Healing Foundation
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation is a national organisation that elevates the voices and lived experience of Stolen Generations survivors, their families, and their communities.
We work closely with survivors and communities to create environments for survivors to tell their stories and drive their healing. We are committed to the recognition of the Bringing them home report and the realisation of the rights outlined in the report for Stolen Generations and descendants.
We are governed by a Board of First Nations Directors, a Stolen Generations Reference Group, a Youth Reference Group and are led by a First Nations Executive. With our work informed by the Stolen Generations sector – organisations that provide direct support to Stolen Generations survivors in communities across the country.
About the Role:
The Senior Advisor Research & Policy role plays a central role in shaping policies and resources that support Stolen Generations survivors and organisations. You’ll lead research and analysis activities, develop evidence-based advice, maintain strategic partnerships, and coordinate projects that drive sector outcomes.
This role combines hands-on research, policy development, and project management to ensure The Healing Foundation’s work remains survivor-led, outcomes-focused, and sector-informed. This role has the ability to be based in either Canberra or Brisbane.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead research, policy, and project initiatives that support Stolen Generations survivors and organisations.
* Develop evidence-based policy advice, submissions, and sector resources.
* Manage research partnerships and commissioned projects, including contracts and deliverables.
* Translate research into practical resources, workshops, and knowledge-sharing activities.
* Build and maintain outcome-focused strategic partnerships.
* Monitor sector and legislative developments to inform policy priorities.
* Provide clear, timely advice and reporting to senior leaders.
* Support sector engagement activities and advisory group coordination.
Experience, skills and attributes:
* Proven experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in delivering policy advice, projects, or research.
* Strong understanding and application of participatory design with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders.
* Strong understanding of healing, trauma, and cultural safety frameworks.
* Demonstrated experience in policy development, research, and/or stakeholder engagement.
* Strong written communication skills, able to translate complex information for diverse audiences.
* Project management skills, with experience tracking milestones, deliverables, and risks.
* Procurement and contract management experience (or willingness to develop).
* A team-focused approach, supporting collaborative and culturally safe ways of working.
What we can offer you:
* Family Friendly Accredited Organisation
* Salary packaging
* Employee Assistance Program
* Flexible Working arrangements
* Career development support
* Wellbeing and Additional Paid Leave Benefits
A valid Drivers License, Working With Vulnerable People check, and Covid-19 vaccination are mandatory requirements.
The Healing Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer, we encourage and prioritise applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We are committed to ensuring all individuals are treated with dignity, regardless of cultural background, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or spiritual beliefs.