Principal Researcher

• Leading Not For Profit Organisation
• Full time senior role
• Based in Macquarie Park with some travel to regional centres
• Salary packaging benefits available

We are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Principal Researcher to join our Practice Quality and Innovation team and manage a small team of research and evaluation staff.

This position will lead, manage and report on research and evaluation projects to contribute to practice and service improvement in alignment with the RA NSW Strategic Plan. The research agenda will be focused on informing program logic, identifying service improvements and delivering quality service to our clients, as well as developing services that anticipate the future needs of individuals and communities. 

This is a leadership position within the business and some of your key deliverables will be:

• Develop and implement an Evaluation and Research Agenda and implement an evaluation strategy in consultation with key stake holders;
• Drive an agenda of excellence in Evaluation and Research practice,and engage staff in development of this agenda;
• Support the organisational strategy in relation to promotion, awareness and advocacy;
• Lead and strengthen the organisational research culture by providing advice and training, mentoring of staff, managers and senior managers in regard to research and evaluation;
• Ensure research and evaluation policies and procedures reflect best practice and legislation;
• Provide expertise that assists with building skills, working with complex client circumstances, and actively supporting practice supervision.
• Oversee and maintain safe work practices;
• Identify and submit appropriate Commonwealth/State Funding applications.

This is a full time position working 5 days per week. An attractive salary will be negotiated with the successful candidate being dependent on their level of experience, training and qualifications.

Some of the essential criteria/experience for this role are below:

• Postgraduate social sciences research and/or evaluation qualifications
• Publications in academic and sector journals and presentations of research in conferences and forums
• Demonstrated capacity to develop, implement and lead research and evaluation projects within an organisation
• Ability to manage, mentor and coach staff or contractors in research
  methodologies and presentation of research outcomes
• Ability to work independently, meet targets, timeframes and stakeholder
  expectations

What benefits are on offer?

Employees of Relationships Australia (NSW) enjoy salary packaging and a number of non-salary benefits that have been designed to assist in their personal and career growth and their well-being. The following benefits are offered to our staff: 

• Salary Packaging available to staff based on our Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) status, providing additional reduction in tax payable.
• Salary sacrificing to superannuation, some educational courses and other approved items if desired.
• up to 5 additional leave days per year (pro rata), to be used between Christmas and New Year, and your Birthday.
• Discounted fees for courses undertaken through Relationships Australia (NSW) Professional Training.
• Additional Study Leave for approved educational courses.
• Comprehensive supervision and support for practitioners.
• Comprehensive Wellness Strategy including a focus on reducing our organisational footprint on the environment, Fitness Passport, annual flu vaccinations and our Employee Assistance Program.