Research Director (Programs and Policy)

• The role is offered as a 0.8 FTE position (equivalent 4 days/wk). 
• Hybrid work environment. Minimum 2 days/wk in the office.
• Flexible and remote work arrangements can be negotiated.

The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) is seeking an astute and dynamic candidate to fill the newly-created role of Research Director (Programs and Policy).

This exciting senior leadership position is responsible for oversight, development and delivery of the OCRF Research Grants Scheme, collaborative national research projects, impact evaluation, insight and trend monitoring, as well as policy and landscape review and briefing.

Working in close collaboration with the OCRF CEO, the successful candidate will ensure the OCRF Research Grants Scheme is delivered to world-class standards of peer review and probity, demonstrating innovation and excellence within the sector and beyond. In addition to experience and background in research management and effective science communications, the incumbent will demonstrate sound stakeholder engagement and thought leadership on new projects to improve awareness and understanding of the multi-dimensional impact of ovarian cancer in Australia. As such, the successful candidate will be confident and comfortable in advocating for new and improved policy in this field, and be able to will be able to distil complex thought into engaging plain English if/as required. 

The Research Director (Programs and Policy) also provides guidance, support and leadership to the OCRF’s global Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and Consumer Representative Panel (CRP).

Salary

Attractive remuneration package on offer including 10.5% super. Salary packaging benefits also available. The rate of remuneration will be commensurate with experience, expertise and qualifications.

Key responsibilities of the position

• Oversee grant-making for OCRF research funding priorities – Early detection, personalised treatment (precision medicine promise), improved quality and duration of life, prevention.
• Contribute thought leadership and successful end to end research project management (in-house, pro bono, commission)
• Plan and execute excellent research translation and science communications strategy for a broad range of audiences
• Continuous improvement focus
• Positive oversight of key advisory Committees 
• Monitor and communicate trends in policy and political realm
• Contribute to a high performing and thriving work culture.

Key Selection Criteria

• Tertiary qualification in a related field (e.g. health communications, social policy and reform, research management) and/or demonstrated equivalent experience
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in impact evaluation, research management, or related field
• Demonstrated experience managing and delivering business-critical research projects 
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining highly constructive internal and external stakeholder relationships 
• Knowledge of national and state policy settings relevant to the research, innovation, for purpose and/or NGO sector/s.

Desirable

• Experience in the for-purpose or charitable sector or national NGO
• Experience in use of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database/s 

Capabilities 

• Commitment to evidence-based decision-making/approaches
• High level project management, risk and governance skills, appropriate to oversight and delivery of a national grant-making program
• Commitment to innovation in user-centric and co-designed information dissemination
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to translate content for both technical and non-technical audiences
• High level skills in use of content management systems and research platforms
• Ability to adapt to change, pro-actively solve problems, and direct continuous improvement in programs and advocacy.