Do you enjoy leading teams and applying your exceptional project management skills to research projects? Are you highly driven to manage relationships with project collaborators and key stakeholders? Do you have strong skills in longitudinal research and a track record of delivering to exacting standards?

We at the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) are seeking a Senior Manager to join the Longitudinal and Lifecourse Studies Program to lead a dedicated team in delivering the development of survey methodology in the Longitudinal and Lifecourse Studies area.

About us

We are the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS), the Australian Government’s key independent research body and advisor in family wellbeing, based in the Melbourne CBD. We produce research about ‘what works for families’ and make it accessible to decision makers, practitioners and the general public.

Our team

The Longitudinal and Lifecourse Studies (LLS) Program is home to three national longitudinal studies: Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC), Ten to Men: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health (TTM), and Building a New Life in Australia: The Australian Longitudinal Study on Humanitarian Refugees (BNLA). These are long-running, internationally renowned studies that follow the lives of thousands of people. Over the past 15 years, our studies have informed national policy and public discourse in mental and physical health, social disadvantage, housing and employment.

About the role:

This position requires an enthusiastic self-driven senior researcher with experience and expertise in management and leadership who will play a key role in leading a team of researchers in the successful execution of a number of AIFS major research projects and contracts, including LSAC and TTM. The key responsibilities will include and not be limited to:

• Lead the strategic development of survey methodology in the Longitudinal and Lifecourse Studies area
• Develop and initiate research projects (primarily focusing on survey methodology)
• Manage a team of multi-disciplinary researchers by setting workplans and budgets and monitoring workflow and practices to ensure timely and successful completion of work
• Develop and grow relationships with the client-facing organisations and serve as a strategic consultant for longitudinal survey development services and capabilities 
• Represent AIFS research in the media and in meetings, conferences and seminars

Requirements to be successful:

• Demonstrated ability to lead a team of researchers and build strong business relationships both internally and externally
• Thorough and detailed understanding of survey methodology with proven experience in providing advice on best practice for both internal and external projects
• Demonstrated track record in managing large projects, including budget management experience
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to mentor and guide team members to enhance internal capabilities and ensure established objectives are achieved and plans are delivered

• An in-depth understanding of policy issues related to health, wellbeing and life course transitions for Australians, families and communities
• Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience in an appropriate social science discipline (minimum 10 years)

Terms

We will offer the Senior Manager, Survey Methodology a position on an ongoing or non-ongoing basis of up to 18 months (with the possibility of extension to a maximum term of three years) on a full-time basis. The position is at EL2 with a salary range of $118,535 to $136,640 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation.

Working at AIFS

We provide a family-friendly and flexible workplace that supports the wellbeing and professional development of our diverse workforce. Benefits include:

• Flexible work arrangements
• Workplace health and wellbeing activities such as yoga, mindfulness, wellbeing sessions, flu vaccinations and a health promotion allowance
• Free and confidential counselling service for employees and dependents
• 15.4% employer contribution to superannuation
• Discounted annual Myki card
• Christmas closedown period with no deduction from leave credits

Our salaries and conditions of employment are set out in our Enterprise Agreement.

How to apply for this job

For how to apply and to download a Position Description click apply now.

Apply now! Applicants are being considered on a continual basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

For further information, contact Human Resources on (03) 9214 7888.

We welcome diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people of all ages and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.