Head of Evidence

4 weeks ago

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia People for Purpose Full time
Overview

Head of Evidence & Impact: The Smith Family

The Smith Family is Australia's largest independently funded children's education charity. Founded in 1922, 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. The organisation supports children and young people through programs such as Learning for Life, providing essential financial, social and emotional support across more than 800 schools in 91 communities Australia wide.

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. The role will be important 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.

  • 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.
  • If you have specific questions, call 0468 625 252 or email hello@peopleforpurpose.com.au
  • 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.

Seniority level
  • Executive
Employment type
  • Full-time
Job function
  • Education
Industries
  • Business Consulting and Services

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