General Manager, Programs

South Australian West Coast ACCHO Network; Australia; Remote; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

SAWCAN is seeking an experienced Aboriginal health leader to join our Executive Team as General Manager, Programs. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will oversee regional health programs, budgets, contracts and reporting while guiding a team of program managers and health professionals across our region.

This executive role requires a deep understanding of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, strong leadership and the ability to travel across Eyre Peninsula and Far West Coast.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Aboriginal health is essential for this role.
• Understand the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector and delivering health programs across regional and remote communities.
• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience is required.
• Permanent working rights in Australia and reside in South Australia; ability to obtain necessary checks (National Police Check, WWCC) and hold a valid Australian driver’s licence.
• Five+ years’ experience in senior operations or program management with oversight of multiple programs.

Responsibilities

• Leading, mentoring and developing a team of program managers and health professionals.
• Overseeing regional health programs, ensuring delivery on time, within budget and meets funding requirements.
• Managing program contracts, budgets, performance and reporting obligations.
• Building strong relationships with member ACCHOs, funding bodies and regional partners.
• Working with the CEO and member services to identify regional health priorities and develop practical responses.
• Using program data and evaluation to improve delivery, demonstrate outcomes and support regional advocacy.
• Identifying challenges early, making sound decisions and finding practical solutions.
• Contributing to organisational strategy, policy development and future funding opportunities.

Skills

Aboriginal health

Executive leadership

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Health administration degree

Equivalent experience

Job description

Location: Adelaide, Ceduna, Oak Valley, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, or Yalata
Employment Type: 1 Year Fixed-Term Contract, Full-Time 37.5 hours per week

South Australian West Coast ACCHO Network (SAWCAN) is looking for an experienced Aboriginal health leader to join our Executive Team as the General Manager, Programs.

We're looking for someone who can hit the ground running. Someone who brings extensive experience in Aboriginal health, understands the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector and knows what it takes to lead people, manage complex programs and get things done.

This is an executive leadership role suited to someone who is confident making decisions, comfortable managing competing priorities and genuinely enjoys developing and supporting people.

About us

SAWCAN is a regional partnership of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) working together to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

Our region stretches approximately 1,300 kilometres from Whyalla to the Western Australian border.

We work alongside our member services to strengthen local delivery, build workforce capability, share knowledge and advocate for the health priorities of our communities.

We're a small, growing organisation with staff working across multiple locations. We value strong relationships, open communication, practical solutions and people who follow through.

About the role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the General Manager, Programs is a key member of SAWCAN's Executive Team, responsible for leading our regional health programs and the people who manage them.

Our programs span cancer care, social and emotional wellbeing, disability and aged care, tobacco control and clinical workforce support.

You'll oversee program delivery, budgets, contracts and reporting, while working closely with member ACCHOs, funding bodies and regional partners.

We need someone who can step into this role with confidence, quickly understand our programs and priorities, and provide strong leadership from the outset.

People leadership is a big part of this position. You'll be expected to provide clear direction, build staff capability, address challenges early and support a positive and accountable team culture.

We're looking for someone who leads with empathy and emotional intelligence, but who is also comfortable making decisions, having difficult conversations and taking ownership when things don't go to plan.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading, mentoring and developing a team of program managers and health professionals.

Overseeing regional health programs, ensuring delivery is on time, within budget and meets funding requirements.

Managing program contracts, budgets, performance and reporting obligations.

Building strong relationships with member ACCHOs, funding bodies and regional partners.

Working with the CEO and member services to identify regional health priorities and develop practical responses.

Using program data and evaluation to improve delivery, demonstrate outcomes and support regional advocacy.

Identifying challenges early, making sound decisions and finding practical solutions.

Contributing to organisational strategy, policy development and future funding opportunities.

Working from Home

This is a primarily work-from-home position, with regular travel across regional South Australian communities. To be suitable for this role, you must already have a safe, suitable and secure home workspace with reliable internet access, a dedicated desk and an appropriate office chair. You must have these items available, as they will not be supplied by SAWCAN.

Your home workspace will be subject to a Work Health and Safety assessments and must be approved by SAWCAN before working from home arrangements can commence. Work Health and Safety requirements apply to your home working environment as it usually would in an office environment. You will be expected to identify and manage potential hazards, report risks and maintain a safe and compliant workspace.

You must also be able to work independently and professionally, with a strong focus on confidentiality, fatigue management and maintaining a secure, distraction-free work environment.

About you

Extensive experience in Aboriginal health is essential for this role.

We're looking for someone who already understands the sector, the importance of Aboriginal community control and the realities of delivering health programs across regional and remote communities.

A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience is required.

This role will suit someone who:

Has permanent working rights in Australia and resides in South Australia.

Holds, or is willing to obtain, a National Police Check issued within the past three years and a South Australian Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Holds a valid Australian driver’s licence.

Brings extensive experience in Aboriginal health, including a strong understanding of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) sector.

Has at least five years’ experience in senior operations or program management, with a demonstrated ability to oversee multiple programs.

Demonstrates proven leadership and team development skills, including staff performance management, constructive feedback and navigating difficult conversations.

Exhibits strong emotional intelligence, empathy and a leadership style that balances supporting staff with maintaining accountability.

Has demonstrated experience managing government-funded programs, contracts, budgets and reporting requirements.

Possesses a strong understanding of the health challenges, service delivery environments and cultural considerations affecting Aboriginal people in regional and remote communities.

Demonstrates excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills, including experience engaging with ACCHO CEOs, senior leaders, government agencies and funding bodies.

Exercises sound judgement and initiative, works independently, makes informed decisions and manages competing priorities effectively.

Has experience using program data and evidence to improve services, demonstrate outcomes and inform policy and advocacy.

Is willing and able to travel regular across the Eyre Peninsula and Far West Coast, including overnight stays.

Why work with SAWCAN?

Make a difference – Help strengthen health programs that respond to the priorities of Aboriginal communities.

Executive leadership opportunity – Work directly with the CEO and contribute to the direction and growth of SAWCAN.

Lead a great team – Support and develop committed staff working across a diverse range of programs.

Flexible working arrangements – Work from home when not travelling, with the option to be based in Adelaide or across our region.

Stay connected to community – Travel across the Eyre Peninsula and Far West Coast, building relationships with our member services and communities.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications close: Tuesday 2nd December 2026, however we will be reviewing applications as they are received and may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found. We recommend you to apply as soon as possible.