Relationships Australia works with children, adults, families and communities throughout the country. Our member organisations deliver counselling, family dispute resolution and mediation services, family violence prevention and mental health services funded by the Commonwealth Government with other family and community support services funded by state and territory governments and others. We are a federation of Australian, community-based, not-for-profit organisations with no religious affiliations. Our services are for all members of the community, regardless of religious belief, age, gender, sexual orientation, lifestyle choice, cultural background or economic circumstances.

The national office of the federation is based in Kingston ACT, and supports the work of Relationships Australia member organisations in each state and territory by facilitating collaboration, developing policy, pursuing research, engaging in advocacy with policy-makers, working with other peak bodies and providing secretariat and corporate support to the National Board.

The national office aims to provide a seamless service to its member organisations and to represent and manage the brand professionally and in a way that progresses the interests of the federation.

Purpose of the Role

The Research Communications and Projects Officer is a multi-faceted, hands on and practical role, reporting to the National Executive Officer. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting national research projects for the Federation, embarking on discrete research tasks, and driving the critical knowledge translation of research findings to a wide variety of audiences. In doing so, the Research Communications and Projects Officer plays a critical role in informing service delivery, identifying emerging trends and opportunities, and influencing policy. This role requires close collaboration with state and territory organisations within the federation as well as key stakeholders, including university partners, peak bodies, and government.

Ultimately, the Research Communications and Projects Officer contributes to and promotes the work and brand of the RA federation – including research for, and preparation of, policy submissions and position papers, communication activities and managing complex projects.

Based in Canberra, we offer a flexible work environment with work-from-home opportunities and are open to considering interstate applicants who can work remotely.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coordinate and support research and other projects within the Federation, through development of research briefs, project plans and research proposals.
• Analyse, synthesise and translate complex research and data provided by member and external organisations, as well as literature reviews and surveys for the preparation of reports and presentations.
• Development of high quality, evidence-based, research papers, submissions, and internal and external communications resources presenting complex findings to enable sharing in a compelling and appropriate style for the intended audience.
• Develop and foster relationships with key stakeholders to strengthen research and evaluation endeavours.
• Support member organisations via a range of national networks and communities of practice across the Federation.
• Prepare strategic advice to the National Office, Board and National Council about developments in relevant areas of Australian Government policy and latest trends in research.
• Other duties, as agreed with the National Executive Officer.

Selection criteria

• A graduate qualification in a relevant discipline, such as Sociology, Psychology or Community Development, as well as others.
• A passion for using data to inform evidence-based social policy and demonstrated capacity to apply research to policy, programs, and practice.
• Experience with various forms of communication styles and formats.
• Experience working in government, community services, advocacy and/or research, particularly in areas of relevance to the work of Relationships Australia, such as family relationships and/or mental health
• Demonstrated ability in knowledge translation, exchange, implementation and/or dissemination of complex information, including the ability to translate complex information into plain English for a range of audiences.
• Understanding of issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as members of LGBTIQ communities, and people with disability, as well as competence in working effectively with people in these groups.
• Well developed time and project management, organisational and administrative skills, and the ability to effectively determine priorities and achieve defined outcomes within strict deadlines.
• Excellent analytic and strategic thinking, written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with a broad range of people.
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, including the capacity to build and maintain positive professional relationships and partnerships with non-government and government stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.