Research Director

• Employment Status:     Full time – 3 year contract
• Location:                        Brisbane or Melbourne, Australia
• Job Family:                     Executive Leadership Team (ELT)
• Direct Reports:              Research Fellows (3)

General Organisational Overview:

With around 200,000 members, National Seniors is Australia’s largest not-for-profit (NFP) consumer organisations for the over 50s.  We advocate on issues of concern for the over 50s in order to achieve political and social change and we also work to provide a well-informed and representative voice to government, business and the community.

Our purpose is to further the interests of the over 50s and our vision is to be recognized across society, business and government for our leadership and independence as the voice of the over 50s.

About the Research Centre

The National Seniors Research Centre, is an initiative of National Seniors. Our aim is to advance knowledge and understanding into all aspects of productive ageing to benefit the quality of life of people aged 50 and over.

The Research Centre conducts a range of work, including both internal and publically available research on issues affecting over 50s (in particular, mature age employment, finance and health), externally commissioned research projects for corporate clients and government, translating research into practical tools (e.g. Age Management Toolkit and Retirement Quiz) as well as running an annual external grants program and conducting annual forums and seminars.

The Research Centre’s key objectives are to:

• Support quality consumer oriented research informed by the experience of people aged 50 and over
• Inform members, government, business and the community on productive ageing across the life-course
• Raise awareness of research findings which are useful for older people
• Be the leading centre of excellence for research education and information on productive ageing in Australia.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Responsible for developing and implementing the overall research strategy for the Research Centre to ensure the objectives of the Productive Research Centre are fulfilled.

• Provide strong leadership for the Research Centre and support the organisation’s advocacy agenda.

• Drive and maintain the direction of the Research Centre, and continue to build the pivotal Research function which is integral to the wider organisation by developing research projects for corporate and government organisations.

• Build the organisation’s credibility throughout government, business and community as the preeminent “thought leader” across a range of issues relating to the over 50s

• Manage the day to day involvement with projects and clients, including study design, project management, execution, interpretation, development of recommendations and presentations of findings

• Initiate, build and maintain partnerships and collaborative arrangements with a range of stakeholders (eg: corporate businesses, government and other research organisations). Develop research proposals for a wide variety of funders, clients and businesses

• Monitor relevant issues and initiatives relating to productive ageing, and provide timely advice to the CEO, Chief Advocate and Policy Team on the research implications of these issues and initiatives

• Maximise the impact and relevance of research and its connection to members and other stakeholders

• All other duties, as directed by the Chief Executive Officer

Skills and Experience:

1. Excellent relationship building skills. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong corporate client relationships by conducting research for the corporate sectors and the ability build and maintain existing networks across corporate, academic, government and NFP organisations.

2. Strong leadership and management skills with some entrepreneurial experience. Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a team of research professionals.

3. Solid Academic experience (10 – 15 years minimum)

• Extensive academic research experience in a relevant field of study
• Proven research skills in planning, designing and conducting research projects
• Quantitative and analytical skills with experience in data management and statistical analysis

4. Strong communication and public speaking skills with the demonstrated ability to present in front of small, medium and large groups.

5. Demonstrated experience in the translation of research into practical information for people over the age of 50.

Qualifications:

• Masters or Doctorate level education in a relevant field of study

• Postgraduate qualifications in ageing and/ or relevant work experience in a related area of specialisation (not essential)