About the position

This is a full-time position, reporting to the Director, Research. The role is based at the ANROWS National Office in the Sydney CBD, with the option of remote work. The appointment is offered on a fixed term basis until 30 June 2027, with the possibility of extension, subject to funding.

The Deputy Director, Research is a senior leadership position that plays a critical role in delivering ANROWS’ strategic research agenda. Reporting to the Director of Research, the Deputy Director will provide high-level project oversight, leadership, cross-functional collaboration and management across multiple research streams. This role is ideal for a strategic thinker and experienced leader who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and who is passionate about creating real-world impact through evidence-based research.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Director to lead the Research team, ensure timely and high-quality project delivery, and foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will champion a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture, contributing to ANROWS’ commitment to advancing gender equity and the prevention of violence against women. Success in this role is measured through a combination of qualitative and quantitative indicators, which may include:

• Achievement of project delivery milestones and outcomes
• Contribution to team engagement and culture
• Delivery against agreed KPIs as set in consultation with the Director
  

NOTE: as this is a new role (and part of the new leadership team), there is some scope to review or refine the below as we embed the changes.

This is an ANROWS Senior Leadership position and is responsible for the development and delivery of the organisation’s strategic priorities:

• Create: Develop and facilitate high-quality, targeted research.
  
• Connect: Collaborate with purpose and integrity.
  
• Inform & Influence: Disseminate the evidence to inform and educate.
  
• Impact: Drive and implement evidence-informed change.
  
• Operate: Foster an inclusive, innovative and respected workplace of choice.

About ANROWS

ANROWS is an innovative research organisation established as an initiative of Australia’s first National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022 by the Commonwealth Government and all state and territory governments of Australia.

Our primary function is to build the evidence base that supports ending violence against women and children in Australia. ANROWS is embedded in the National Plan architecture and will continue to deliver and develop this function across the next decade under the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.

As a registered harm prevention charity and deductible gift recipient, ANROWS also runs a research program funded by philanthropic funds (the ANROWS Research Fund to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children), and is periodically contracted by service providers and other government stakeholders to conduct evaluation and research projects.

Remuneration and leave entitlements

A competitive salary package will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications plus 11.5% employer contributions to the employee’s chosen superannuation fund with the option to salary sacrifice. ANROWS staff are entitled to four weeks pro rata annual leave, in addition to personal and sick leave.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Strategic Support

• Support the Director in setting and delivering ANROWS’s research strategy and priorities.
• Support ANROWS’ knowledge production in line with the organisation’s mandate to produce research of relevance to policy and practice to reduce the incidence and impact of violence against women.
• Provide expertise, analysis and critical assessment of research on violence against women.
• Assist with the development and management of the ANRA (Australia’s National Research Agenda)
• Oversee ANROWS’ commissioned research grants program.
• Act as a key point of contact and decision-maker in the Director’s absence.
• Represent ANROWS in external forums, panels, and stakeholder engagements as required.

Project Oversight and Delivery

• Lead and oversee the planning, management, and delivery of complex, multi-partner research projects aligned with ANROWS’s strategic objectives.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to high academic and ethical standards.
• Support the integration of research findings into policy and practice through accessible, targeted dissemination strategies.

Team Management and Development

• Provide day-to-day leadership and line management to a team of researchers and project staff.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
• Support professional development and mentoring of staff.
• Contribute to the achievement of team and organisational KPIs.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain and build productive relationships with government, academic, and community sector stakeholders.
• Ensure research meets the information needs of key policy and practice stakeholders, particularly those working to reduce violence against women and children.
• Collaboration with other internal teams e.g. Communications and Engagement

Quality Assurance and Risk Management

• Oversee project governance, ethics compliance, and quality assurance processes.
• Identify and manage risks across research activities, escalating appropriately.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Experience

• Postgraduate qualification (preferably a PhD or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline such as gender studies, public health, sociology, criminology, social work, or related field.
• Significant experience in managing and delivering complex research projects in applied settings.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience, including managing multidisciplinary staff and collaborating across sectors.
• Strong understanding of gender-based violence, violence prevention, or intersecting issues such as health, justice, or child protection.
• Experience working effectively with government agencies and non-government organisations in formulating research topics, conducting research and applying the results of research.
• Proven ability to communicate research to diverse audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and the public.
• Experience in engaging with and ensuring the inclusion of diverse communities in research, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people with lived experience.

Skills

• Expertise across the range of social science methodologies which may include quantitative, qualitative and applied research.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and networking skills, including proven capacity to build and maintain positive professional relationships and partnerships and capacity for negotiation and collaboration with a diversity of organisations and categories of stakeholders.
• Exceptional analytic and strategic thinking, written and oral communication skills.
• Exceptional leadership skills.

Further information

Any questions regarding the position should be directed to: Kristen Diemer, Director, Research. Email: [email protected] using the subject line: Deputy Director - Research enquiry via EthicalJobs.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following documents:

• A covering letter addressing the Knowledge, skills and experience criteria and explaining why you would be a strong fit for this role.
• A current curriculum vitae (CV), including contact details for two referees

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

ANROWS is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, and people of all genders and sexual orientations. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that diversity brings to our work.

Criminal history check

The successful applicant will be offered the position subject to a criminal history check (also known as a National Police Check)