• Community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Research Network
• Employment Status: Fixed term contract until June 2027 (potential extension subject to funding)
• 3 or 4 days per week

About CMHDARN

The Community Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Research Network (CMHDARN) was established in 2010. It is a partnership project supported by a grant from the Mental Health Commission of NSW (MHC). Governance and operations are shared between Mental Health Coordinating Council (MHCC) and the Network of Alcohol and other Drug Agencies (NADA) the peak body for the NGO alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in NSW. Reporting to the MHC is a joint responsibility led by MHCC.

CMHDARN aims to strengthen research literacy, evaluation practice and evidence-informed service delivery across the NSW community-managed mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) sectors. The project is currently funded until June 2027.

About the position

MHCC is seeking an experienced, highly organised Project Coordinator (part‑time, 22.5 hours per week) to manage and deliver the activities of the Community Mental Health and Alcohol & Other Drugs Research Network (CMHDARN).

The role involves coordinating all aspects of the project, supporting new initiatives, and strengthening research, evaluation, and knowledge‑translation capability across the community‑managed mental health and AOD sectors. This position is not a research role; however, it requires a strong understanding of mental health and AOD issues, community‑based practice, and foundational knowledge of research, evaluation, and ethical processes. The Project Coordinator supports over 530 network members by promoting collaboration, partnerships, events, governance, and communications, and by connecting services, people with lived experience, carers, and research partners to ethical, practice‑relevant research.

Selection Criteria

Please address each criterion in your cover letter:

• Experience in managing network, project or program activities
• Background experience in the mental health and/or AOD sectors (not necessarily clinical)
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to support engagement in research capacity-building initiatives
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with proven ability to manage competing priorities
• High-level communication skills, including the ability to develop content for multiple platforms and channels
• Commitment to evidence‑based practice and knowledge translation
• Demonstrated ability to plan, monitor, review and report on projects
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Mailchimp, WordPress and related tools

About our Benefits

• Access to generous salary packaging options to increase your take-home pay, including packaging for everyday expenses such as superannuation contributions, work-related devices, and more.
• Enjoy up to $15,900 per year in tax-free salary packaging for general living expenses.
• Additional meal and entertainment benefits of up to $2,650 per year, allowing you to pay for dining and entertainment using pre-tax dollars.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
• One paid wellbeing day per quarter
• A culture that promotes diversity and practices equity
• Work alongside professional and dedicated team members

To Apply

To become a part of the Mental Health Coordinating Council team, submit your application via the "Apply Now" button.

Applications must include a resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. Applications that do not address criteria will not be considered.

Salary range is $92,000 - $94,000 - full time equivalent - plus superannuation. Remuneration is commensurate with experience.

Position to commence on 1 July 2026.

Please note that we may begin interviewing suitable candidates before the closing date.

Full job description is available from our website via mhcc.org.au.

Further information on the work of CMHDARN can be gained from its website http://www.cmhdaresearchnetwork.com.au/

The full Position Description is available on https://mhcc.org.au/ 

Diversity & Inclusion

MHCC is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from:

• People with lived experience of mental health and coexisting challenges
• First Nations peoples
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• LGBTIQA+ diverse communities
• People with disability