Head of Evidence

The organisation

Founded in 1922, The Smith Family is Australia's largest independently funded children's education charity. The Smith Family is committed to reducing educational inequality caused by poverty, through evidence practice, innovation, research, and advocacy to shape systems so all young people thrive.

In the past year alone, 178,430 children and young people were supported through The Smith Family's programs. Through its flagship Learning for Life program, the organisation provides essential financial, social and emotional support, schools-based programs reaching over 71,000 students in over 800 schools across 91 communities Australia wide. The organisation's goal is to ensure young people who experience disadvantage complete their education and transition into further tertiary study or work. As a national, independent charity, the organisation partners with families, schools, community groups, businesses, and government, to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged young people, so they can thrive now and into their futures.

The role

The Head of Evidence and Impact will shape The Smith Family's strategic agenda by leading policy, advocacy, research, and program evaluation at scale. Reporting to the CEO, and leading a large national team, you will guide program design, oversee evaluation frameworks, focus on efficient and effective resource use and ensure that evidence and insights drive decisions across the organisation and the sector.

This is a highly visible role, working with the CEO in representing The Smith Family with sector partners, government ministers, senior bureaucrats, philanthropists, and other stakeholders to influence policy and funding decisions nationally. As the organisation embarks on its next chapter the role will play an important role with the Executive team in reviewing the organisation's theory of change and strategic approach, to ensure measurable outcomes for children and families who experience disadvantage.

You will bring a strategic mindset, program practice and design capability, policy fluency, and system-level influence, supported by strong stakeholder relationships and executive leadership. Thriving in outcomes-focused, people-oriented environments, you'll guide a talented, multi-disciplinary team and inspire collaboration across government, business philanthropy, research, and community partners.

About you

You are a highly experienced and visionary leader with deep expertise in shaping public policy, social impact strategy, service design and program delivery within complex environments. With a strong understanding of Australia's social, educational, political, and economic landscape, you bring exceptional strategic thinking, policy acumen, and the ability to translate evidence into meaningful impact.

You are an influential communicator and collaborator, adept at building trusted relationships across government, not-for-profit, and philanthropic sectors. You hold tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline such as law, social sciences, public policy, political science, economics, business administration, or a related field, with postgraduate qualifications highly regarded. Above all, you are committed to educational equity, and creating measurable change for children and families facing disadvantage.

To apply

People for Purpose is partnering with The Smith Family to lead the search for this role.

• We invite you to read the position description (https://shorturl.at/KkjjV). To review The Smith Family's annual reports and financial statements, please visit their website and ACNC profile.
• Once you have absorbed this information and completed your own research, if you have specific questions, please call us on 0468 625 252 or email [emailprotected]
• Your application will include your CV, as well as a cover letter outlining how your skills and experience align to this opportunity and why you are interested in joining The Smith Family. A considered cover letter will be an important part of your application.

Applications close at 11:00am on Saturday, 20th of September.