The Organisation

CF Together is committed to changing the future of cystic fibrosis (CF) in Australia. Working tirelessly with the CF community to support their needs in everything we do, we aim to advance treatment and improve the lives of every Australian living with CF, their families and carers.

The Opportunity

Over recent decades, new treatments have improved the outlook for many, however, there is still a great deal of work to be done. We are dedicated to finding alternative treatments for those with rare genetic mutations, and ultimately to finding a cure for every person living with CF.

Introducing the Cystic Fibrosis Centre for Research Excellence (CF CRE).

The CF CRE has been established to transform the landscape of CF research in Australia, and position Australia as a global leader in CF research into innovative treatment and patient care.

Funded by the Victorian Government and operating nationally, the CF CRE is designed to unite the CF research community, strengthen collaboration, and drive a coordinated national strategy to deliver better outcomes for people living with CF.

The Executive Manager Research plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing the vision of CF Together by driving the development of the CF CRE and the associated research priorities.

This position ensures that the organisation remains at the forefront of improving health outcomes and research advancements, and collaborates with key stakeholders, including government, healthcare professionals, researchers, and the broader CF community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the CF Together research agenda, focusing on collaborative and strategic priorities in CF in consultation with the CEO and the CF CRE Steering Group.

• Develop the CF CRE by establishing partner organisations, advisory groups, and research initiatives.
• Foster a culture of research excellence, ensuring robust methodologies, ethical compliance, and significant contributions to the sector.

• Work in partnership with the Fundraising Team to secure and manage funding for research initiatives by identifying grant opportunities, contributing to proposals, and ensuring milestone reporting is completed.

• Establish and lead productive relationships with stakeholders; initiate and manage successful partnerships with government, other research institutions, business and community groups.

• Clearly communicate and promote research outcomes with diverse stakeholders, including writing media articles, abstracts, website content, newsletters, and giving public presentations and media interviews.
• Ensure the integration and partnership of research into all facets of the CF Together operations and strategy.

What will you bring to the role?

• Tertiary level qualifications in research, science, or related clinical field.

• Substantial practice, leadership, and management experience in a senior role within the community sector or an aligned sector, either medium to large not-for-profit organisation or the public sector focused on Human Services.

• Experience in initiating and delivering complex strategy and research projects including gaining buy in and inputs from key stakeholders, managing the input of others, developing and delivering project plans and achieving policy and strategic objectives.

• Outstanding writing skills, with a strong portfolio of strategic work and research; ability to describe complex technical content in clear, concise and accessible English. Strong and confident verbal communicator.

• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to build a shared understanding of and commitment to the CF Together Purpose.

• The ability to influence and work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including peers, employees, external organisations, funding bodies, and government agencies.

• Sound analytical and research skills, ability to conceptualise policy and practice, and translate ideas and information into workplace improvements.
• Proficient ability in the use of the Microsoft Office suite of programs.

This position is a part time (0.6) fixed term contract (12 months) and can be worked remotely, or hybrid, if based in Melbourne. CF Together aims to support flexibility for all staff while maintaining collaboration and productivity to achieve organisation objectives.

For more information about the CF CRE, go to www.cftogether.org.au/research 

CF Together is a child safe organisation, and all staff will be required to undergo probity checks including criminal record checks, working with children checks and social media checks.

A position description is attached.