We are seeking a highly motivated individual with demonstrated senior leadership experience, who can bring their project and stakeholder management skills and expertise in the areas of research and reporting as well as data analysis and management. The Program Lead will play a key role in leading the achievement of complex research projects, providing strategic leadership to drive the Institute's research agenda. About us The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS, or 'the Institute') is the Australian Government's key research body in the area of family wellbeing. It is an independent statutory authority established in 1980 under the Family Law Act 1975. It is also home to the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC), established under the Gambling Measure Act 2012 which builds the evidence base on gambling-related harm. The Institute is an agency within the portfolio of the Department of Social Services (DSS). Our mission is to conduct high-quality, impartial research into the wellbeing of Australian families, to inform government policy and promote evidence-based practice in the family services sector. We conduct research, provide independent advice and communicate findings to government policymakers, service providers, researchers and the community about factors affecting family wellbeing. Through our research, we contribute to developing policy and practice to promote the wellbeing of families in Australia. Our team The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) began in 2004 and follows the development of 10,000 children (now adults) and their families across Australia. The study aims to examine the impact of Australia's unique social and cultural environment on children's development from early childhood through to adolescence and adulthood. It is funded by the Department of Social Services, with the fieldwork provided by Roy Morgan, and with advice provided by an advisory group of leading researchers. Position Requirements The Program Lead, Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) will lead a team and coordinate the management of AIFS' responsibilities in relation to content, methodology and fieldwork activities for the study, as well as data management and release, data analysis, research and publications. This role will contribute to setting the future directions of the study and work closely with external stakeholders including government agencies, scientific advisory groups, other experts and suppliers, as well as the executive team and other managers at the Institute. As a senior leader within the Institute, the Program Lead, LSAC will role model the AIFS and APS values and demonstrate leadership and collaboration across research and corporate areas. In addition to leading the delivery of complex research projects and programs, they will help shape the strategic direction of their research area and the Institute more broadly. The key duties of the position include The Program Lead, LSAC will be responsible for: • managing major research projects, programs and contracts, including setting clear direction, monitoring progress, managing risks, responding to changes and delivering high-quality results • building and managing stakeholder relationships by providing information, research expertise and specialist advice to key stakeholders, including funding bodies, policy makers (in government and service provision agencies), fieldwork providers and other contractors • leading and managing a team of researchers, survey methodologists, and data specialists responsible for delivering research projects, overseeing the roll out of the survey, and data processing including managing performance, guiding development and providing feedback • leading or contributing to the development of research proposals including collaborating with other AIFS groups, external organisations, and providing subject matter expertise for cross-team responses • managing relevant budgets and other resources in line with AIFS' obligations and procedures • undertaking research to contribute to the achievement of organisational goals • communicating research findings and representing the Institute at relevant conferences, webinars, workshops, teleconferences, meetings and other events • contributing to the senior leadership and strategic direction of AIFS • collaborating with the AIFS Privacy Team to incorporate privacy practices into any work undertaken Key Selection Criteria • Professional expertise • Understanding our organisation • Delivering on objectives and achieving results • Relationships and interpersonal skills • Communication skills • Leadership and management • Values For a comprehensive overview of the selection criteria, please see the Position Description for more information.
