About the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) 

For over 95 years, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) has been delivering the finest care to the furthest corner of Australia. We provide aeromedical emergency retrieval, primary health care, mental health and dental services to the seven million Australians who live, work and travel in rural and remote areas – often where no other health services exist.

The RFDS Federation, based in Canberra, serves as the national coordinating body for the RFDS. We manage relationships with the Commonwealth Government, build a public policy voice for better health outcomes in rural and remote Australia, and support strategic coordination across the RFDS network. Our work is guided by a commitment to improving access to high-quality health care for all Australians, no matter where they live.

About the Role

First Nations peoples are strongly encouraged to apply for this role. While identifying as a First Nations person is not essential for this position, the RFDS values the unique perspectives, cultural knowledge, and lived experience that First Nations people bring to this important work.

Whilst the preferred location for this role is Canberra-based, we would be very happy to consider candidates located in any Australian state or territory.

The First Nations Advisor plays a central role in strengthening the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s (RFDS) commitment to reconciliation and improving health outcomes for First Nations peoples.

This position leads the coordination and implementation of the national Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), provides strategic cultural advice, and drives key initiatives that enhance cultural safety, workforce participation, and partnerships with First Nations communities and organisations.

The role requires a collaborative, culturally informed senior professional with a minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience who can positively and effectively work with RFDS Sections, Operations, and external stakeholders, consolidate diverse perspectives, provide strategic advice to leadership, and guide the organisation toward meaningful, measurable outcomes.

The successful candidate will bring subject matter expertise in First Nations engagement, reconciliation, or cultural capability, and be comfortable operating across governance, policy, and operational contexts within a federated structure.

Key Responsibilities

Lead national coordination of the RFDS Reconciliation Action Plan, ensuring consistent implementation, monitoring, reporting, and alignment across all RFDS Sections and external partners.

Build and maintain strong relationships with First Nations organisations, communities, and peak bodies, and oversee national partnerships.

Drive the development and national rollout of key cultural safety and capability frameworks, ensuring they are co-designed, culturally informed, and responsive to local Section needs.

Provide expert First Nations policy advice and strategic guidance to strengthen RFDS submissions, publications, advocacy, and organisational decision‑making.

Ensure culturally safe and accurate representation of First Nations data and perspectives in national reporting, including contributions to the Best for the Bush series.

Coordinate RFDS involvement in major national First Nations events, promoting respectful engagement and organisation‑wide participation.

Lead governance and accountability mechanisms, including the RFDS First Nations Working Group, ensuring effective operation, cultural safety, and follow‑through on decisions and actions.


Experience, knowledge and skills:

Required

5 years demonstrated experience, ideally working with First Nations communities, organisations, and stakeholders in a strategic advisory, policy, or program leadership capacity.

Strong understanding of First Nations cultures, histories, and contemporary issues, particularly in relation to health and wellbeing.

Proven ability to coordinate complex, multi-stakeholder projects and consolidate diverse viewpoints into cohesive outcomes.

Experience in policy development, advocacy, or government submissions.

Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship building skills.

Ability to work autonomously while contributing to a small, high-performing national team, with the flexibility to work across different projects as required.

Capacity to operate as a trusted senior advisor to executives and boards, translating complex cultural and policy issues into actionable recommendations.

Desirable

Experience in the health, community services, or not for profit sectors.

Knowledge of Reconciliation Australia's RAP framework, Closing the Gap, and/or cultural capability programs.

Understanding of procurement, employment, or workforce development frameworks relating to First Nations peoples.

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (e.g. public health, public policy, social sciences, Indigenous studies, or a related field).

Experience working within a federated or multi-entity organisational structure.

What We Offer

Meaningful work that contributes to better health outcomes for First Nations peoples.

Generous salary packaging benefits as a not-for-profit organisation.

Hybrid working arrangements.

How to Apply

To Apply: Please send your Resume and 1-page Cover Letter addressing the key responsibilities and your suitability towards the experience, knowledge and skills requirements for role to: recruitment@rfds.org.au. For further information about the role, please contact recruitment@rfds.org.au. 

Applications close COB 15 April 2026

NB: Applications that do not include a Cover Letter may not be considered. Shortlisting may take place for suitable candidates whilst the job is open. 

The Royal Flying Doctor Service is committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination. We welcome and embrace diversity and strive to provide a culturally safe and inclusive workplace for all employees. 

The Royal Flying Doctor Service acknowledges and pays respect to the past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation.