Research and Evaluation Lead

ActionHRM, Pty; Brisbane, Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary packaging up to AU$15,900 per 1

Meal and entertainment benefits up to

Birthday/leave provisions

Flexible hybrid work

Job summary

Dementia Australia is seeking a dedicated research professional to lead and oversee research and evaluation projects, ensuring ethical and timely delivery. You will translate complex findings into actionable insights for campaigns and publications, while managing budgets, KPIs and stakeholder governance. Hybrid work options are available.

Ideal candidates hold a relevant degree and 8+ years of experience in research or evaluation, particularly within not-for-profit or public health contexts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Data Science or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience managing or delivering research or evaluation projects.
• Expertise in mixed-methods research and behaviour change theory.
• Experience leading HREC applications and ethics-compliant fieldwork (desirable).
• Experience managing research agencies to deliver high-quality outputs (desirable).
• Not-for-profit, government, public health, education or sport sector experience desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee research and evaluation projects delivered by external providers.
• Review methodologies, instruments and ethical protocols.
• Ensure projects are on time and on budget with ethical standards (HREC).
• Maintain high-quality research standards and data integrity.
• Translate findings into actionable insights for campaigns, reports and publications.
• Develop and track campaign KPIs and provide evidence for decision-making.
• Manage procurement, contracts, budgets, timelines and resources.
• Support governance through working/advisory groups, risk management and issue escalation.

Skills

Research management

Evaluation

Mixed-methods

Ethical protocols

Data governance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences/Public Health/Data Science

Job description

Work at Dementia Australia and be part of a passionate team committed to making a difference. We value our people and are proud to offer flexibility, attractive salary packaging options and employee support programs.

About the role

Full time 12 months fixed-term contract based in Milton, QLD or Parkville, VIC. We would also consider 0.8 or 0.9 FTE availability. Reporting directly to the Senior Campaign Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Leading and overseeing research and evaluation projects delivered by external providers
• Reviewing and advising on research methodologies, instruments, and ethical protocols
• Ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in line with ethical standards (including HREC applications)
• Maintaining high-quality research standards, ensuring data integrity and alignment with strategic priorities
• Translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights for campaigns, reports, and publications
• Developing and tracking campaign KPIs, providing evidence to guide decision-making
• Managing procurement, contracts, budgets, timelines, and resources effectively
• Supporting governance through working/advisory groups, risk management, and issue escalation.

What is in it for you?

Salary benefits: We offer all employees the opportunity to salary package up to $15,900 each year for living expenses and up to $2,650 each year for meal and entertainment benefits.

Leave allowances: In addition to your annual leave allowance, we offer one day of paid birthday or day of significance leave, paid days off during our end of year closure period (if these fall within your regular work days), enhanced personal leave and extended parental leave for all parents. You will also receive 17.5% annual leave loading and the option to purchase additional leave.

Work/life balance: Flexible, hybrid work arrangements.

Employee benefits: Access to discounts and savings at over 450 retailers across Australia, wellbeing programs and free, confidential counselling for you and your family. Access to continuous professional development, staff recognition programs, a paid volunteering day and paid study leave.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for someone with the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, e.g. Social Sciences, Public Health, Data Science (required)
• Minimum 8 years’ experience managing or delivering research or evaluation projects
• Demonstrated expertise in mixed-method research methodologies and application of behaviour change theory
• Proven track record leading HREC applications and ethics‑compliant fieldwork and strong understanding of privacy and data governance (desirable)
• Experience managing research agencies to conduct complex research projects and deliver high quality outputs (desirable)
• Previous experience working for not-for-profit organisation, government agency or in public health, education or sport sectors (desirable).

Our values are informed by the voices of people impacted by dementia.

• Living Experience
• Inclusive
• Empowering

To find out more about our ALICE principles see link here: https://www.dementia.org.au/about-us/alice-stronger-voice-together

About us

Dementia Australia is the national peak body and source of trusted information, education and services for the more than 433,300 Australians living with dementia, and the more than 1.7 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

For specific role enquiries, please contact [e-mail]