The Role

The Head of Enterprise Portfolio Office provides strategic leadership for Black Dog Institute’s (BDI’s) enterprise‑wide portfolio, program and project management capability. This role is responsible for establishing a high‑performing Enterprise Portfolio Office, embedding strong governance, and driving the effective execution of BDI’s 2030 strategy. As a trusted partner to the Executive Leadership Team, the Head of EPO leads organisational planning, prioritisation and implementation processes, ensuring initiatives are sequenced, resourced, governed, and delivered effectively across research, clinical, operational and strategic domains. This role is also responsible for implementing safe and ethical use of AI in the EPO.

Duties & Responsibilities

Portfolio & Program Management

• Oversee the management of BDI's enterprise strategic portfolio
• Build and embed portfolio management processes including prioritisation, stage-gate reviews, benefits realisation, and executive/board reporting
• Oversee coordination of designated ‘transformational’ initiatives, ensuring interdependencies are identified and managed
• Provide expert advice to executives on program structuring, planning, governance and delivery
• Resolve portfolio level risks and resource conflicts

Strategy Implementation, Monitoring & Governance

• Translate BDI's 2030 strategy into actionable annual and multi-year implementation plans
• Drive annual planning and organisational prioritisation cycles including business case development, portfolio reviews and forward planning
• Oversee the development and continuous improvement of enterprise governance frameworks, operating models, methodologies and delivery standards.
• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of an organisational impact framework to measure and monitor delivery against strategic objectives
• Ensure timely, meaningful and insightful reporting to ELT, Board and governance committees
• Provide strategic advice on organisational transformation and change

EPO Leadership & People Management

• Lead, manage, and develop a high performing EPO team
• Build a strong community of practice and promote uplift in project and program management maturity across the organisation.
• Oversee the optimisation and consistent adoption of standardised project management approaches
• Implement the ethical and safe use of AI in EPO and strategy activities
• Provide targeted advisory and delivery support agreed initiatives

Executive, Board & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior executives, sponsors, and governance bodies
• Build transparent, trusted relationships across research, clinical, and corporate functions.
• Facilitate governance forums, portfolio reviews, and reporting cycles
• Ensure stakeholder engagement and program delivery activities align with BDI's enterprise governance frameworks

Financial & Resource Management

• Oversee risk, issue and dependency management across the portfolio.
• Support business cases, cost–benefit analysis and resource planning to inform decision‑making.
• Monitor project and portfolio budgets, ensuring transparency and responsible stewardship.
• Advise on resource capacity and scenario planning across the portfolio.
• Support grant and funding submissions with program planning expertise.

Work Health & Safety

• Ensure self and staff comply with WHS legislation, WHS obligations and internal policies.
• Report any WHS hazards and significant issues to Director, Operations, People & Culture or delegate and via the Reporting tool Rely.
• Work in a safe manner, applying a duty of care
• Contribute to a safe, supportive and mentally healthy working environment consistent with Black Dog Institute values.

This role description is not intended to be exhaustive and may evolve in response to organisational priorities and transformation needs.

Skills & Experience Required 

Essential Criteria

1. Tertiary qualification in business, project management, or related field
2. Extensive experience (8+ years) in senior project/program management roles, including establishing or leading an EPMO, EPO similar function
3. Experience as a People Manager, leading people and teams
4. Proven track record delivering complex strategic initiatives
5. Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools to improve work quality and efficiency,
6. Demonstrated experience in enterprise risk management, governance frameworks, and strategic planning
7. Strong capability in program governance, operating models and executive-level reporting.
8. Proven ability to engage effectively with senior executives, Boards and cross-functional stakeholders.
9. High level of judgement, strategic thinking and problem-solving capability in complex environments.
10. Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with discretion and integrity.
     

Desirable Criteria

1. Formal project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, Agile)
2. Practical experience in leveraging AI within the Microsoft 365 environment and/or Atlassian products (e.g. Jira, Confluence)
3. Experience in NFP, health, medical research, or mental health sectors
4. Knowledge of research operations, clinical program management, or academic environments

Inclusion at BDI  

Black Dog Institute is a Sunflower endorsed organisation 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience where all candidates can fully participate in the process.

We warmly encourage applications from First Nations peoples, culturally and racially diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others from underrepresented backgrounds.

We recognise that not everyone has had equal access to opportunities, and valuable skills and perspectives can be gained through diverse life experiences.

If this role excites you but you don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply as your lived experience and insights are important to us.

Accessibility

If you have accessibility requirements or require information in an alternative format, please email workplaceadjustments@blackdog.org.au or phone.

Privacy

We respect your privacy and confidentiality. We only provide information to other staff where it is needed to arrange workplace adjustments.

How to Apply 
To become a part of the Black Dog Institute team, follow the link to our careers site on ELMO to submit your resume and cover letter. Please note that we do not ask candidates to share their identification until after attending an interview. 

Please note: All offers of employment are subject to background checks, which may include police checks, reference checks, and verification of qualifications, as relevant to the role’s requirements.