Assistant Director, Research, Evaluation & Partnerships

Australian Sports Commission; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Training allowances

Generous superannuation up to 15.4%

Access to Clearinghouse for Sport

Onsite parking and facilities

Job summary

Australian Sports Commission is seeking an Assistant Director Research, Evaluation & Partnerships to lead design, commissioning and delivery of research addressing priority evidence gaps. You will ensure methodological quality and translate findings for senior leaders and sector partners.

The role offers ongoing, flexible work arrangements across Canberra, with opportunities to impact sport policy, investment and service delivery nationally.

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex research and evaluation projects from design through to findings and uptake.
• Specialist capability in quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, commissioning and delivery of research and evaluation addressing priority evidence gaps.
• Ensure methodological quality, research integrity and practical relevance.
• Translate robust findings into clear conclusions and recommendations for senior leaders and partners.

Skills

Leadership

Research leadership

Evaluation methods

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Australian Sports Commission – Canberra ACT

Applications close at 11:30pm AEST Wednesday, 25 November 2026 (late applications will not be accepted).

The Australian Sports Commission is embarking on the Green and Gold decade. An exciting time filled with international sporting competitions on home soil, including the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cup, and culminating in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We have an ambitious new Strategic Vision and we need the best players on our team to help us deliver real results for the sporting sector and all Australians.

Are you up for the challenge?

About the team

The Sport System Intelligence Branch strengthens the evidence, insight, knowledge and innovation foundations that enable better decisions and stronger outcomes across the ASC and Australian sport. The branch provides trusted research, evaluation, analytics and performance insights that inform strategy, policy, investment and service delivery. We identify emerging trends, opportunities, risks and evidence gaps, translating complex information into practical guidance, tools and solutions that drive continuous improvement. Through robust measurement and evaluation, the branch demonstrates the impact and value of sport, ASC investments and sector initiatives. We promote responsible innovation, knowledge stewardship and evidence-based decision-making, while building the capability of ASC staff and sector partners to generate, share and apply insights effectively. Through strategic partnerships and high-quality intelligence services, the branch helps create a more informed, innovative and impactful Australian sport system.

About the role

The Assistant Director Research, Evaluation & Partnerships leads the design, commissioning and delivery of research and evaluation that addresses priority evidence gaps and evaluates the effectiveness and impact of ASC policies, investments, programs and services. Working under limited direction, the role assures methodological quality, research integrity and practical relevance, and builds partnerships that increase the value, reach and use of sport research and evaluation. The role translates robust findings into clear conclusions and recommendations for senior leaders, program owners and sector partners.

About you

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Experience leading complex research and evaluation projects from design and commissioning through to findings, recommendations and use.
• Specialist capability in quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation methods, including the ability to select and defend fit-for-purpose approaches.
• Experience developing evaluation frameworks, theories of change, evaluation questions and measures that assess effectiveness, efficiency, impact and implementation.
• Commitment to research integrity and evidence quality, including ethical practice, methodological documentation, quality assurance and transparent communication of limitations.
• Proven ability to translate complex research and evaluation findings into practical conclusions, options and recommendations for senior, operational and external audiences.
• Experience establishing and managing productive research or evaluation partnerships across government, universities, research institutions, industry or sector organisations.
• Leadership of staff or specialist project teams, including work planning, technical guidance, quality assurance, capability development and delivery accountability.
• Experience managing commissioned work, suppliers, contracts, risks, budgets and resources within an accountable environment.

This position is offered as an ONGOING role.

Why work with us?

We have offices located in Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. Across all locations, we offer:

• Options for flexible working arrangements.
• Annual allowances towards training based on individualised career goals.
• Access to a customised ASC L&D calendar for ongoing professional and career development.
• Generous superannuation scheme with up to 15.4% employer contributions.
• Access to Clearinghouse for Sport, an information sharing platform for Sporting professionals.

Additionally, our Canberra campus offers:

• Free onsite parking
• Onsite facilities including café, dining hall, gym, and swimming pool.
• Priority placement for your children to access the award winning, onsite AIS Caretaker’s Cottage Childcare Centre.

Contact

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact:

• Contact Officer: Lindsey Reece, Director
• Phone number: 0491 207***