Research & Evaluation Manager

Purpose of the role

In this role, you will be responsible for delivery of Smiling Mind's research and evaluation agenda, driving innovation, and delivering high quality impact measurement. You will be responsible for undertaking research and delivering insights that create a step change in how Smiling Mind develops and delivers mental fitness and wellbeing programs. This dynamic position offers the opportunity to develop best practice, drive analysis & insight generation, lead reporting and deliver deep, actionable research that shapes the organisation's strategic impact agenda.

You will foster meaningful collaborations both internally and with industry and academic partners, positioning Smiling Mind as a thought leader in mental fitness and wellbeing, with a focus on children and the adults that support them - namely educators and parents / carers. Additionally, you will develop, deliver, and work across a variety of research programs including quantitative and qualitative evaluation, voice of customer initiatives, ad-hoc program research, population studies, and impact modelling, all aimed at driving innovation and thought leadership in the mental wellbeing space.

Key Responsibilities

This role has decision making autonomy empowering you to lead and innovate across research, evaluation, and impact measurement, with a focus on proactive leadership and strategic thinking.

Strategic Impact and Innovation

• In collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, develop and execute on our research and impact strategy.
• Proactively drive the delivery of our impact agenda, creating new program and partnership opportunities for Smiling Mind.
• Lead high profile research initiatives and projects, delivering high-quality outcomes that position Smiling Mind at the forefront of mental wellbeing innovation.
• Leverage your expertise and insights to influence and inform decisions across the organisation, translating research insights into actionable strategies.
• Pioneer innovations in research and evaluation, setting the stage for multi-year advancements in the field of mental fitness and wellbeing.
• Mentor and inspire a team of junior research staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.

Thought Leadership and Knowledge Exchange

• Develop a cutting-edge impact measurement framework that defines key mental fitness measures across Smiling Mind's diverse portfolio.
• Develop program logic models, theories of change, and evaluation frameworks that extend current practice in mental wellbeing research.
• Design and implement mixed-methods research, showcasing Smiling Mind's commitment to rigorous and impactful evaluation.
• Produce compelling, action-oriented reports that demonstrate Smiling Mind's impact, position Smiling Mind’s advocacy direction effectively, and influence key stakeholders.

Strategic Collaboration and External Engagement

• Foster strategic relationships with internal stakeholders, championing a culture of research-driven decision-making across the organisation.
• Lead high-profile cross-collaboration projects with a range of external research partners
• Establish and nurture high-impact partnerships with academic institutions and industry leaders, positioning Smiling Mind as a key player in the mental wellbeing research landscape.

Driving Research and Program Development

• Deliver groundbreaking and high quality research and evaluation to inform the development of innovative products and programs, employing cutting-edge methodologies from evidence synthesis to co-design practices.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging research and evidence, actively seeking out and sharing new insights to inform Smiling Mind's program development and advocacy strategy.
• Bridge the gap between psychological theory and practical application, developing unique solutions that set Smiling Mind apart in the field.
• Influence and inform decisions regarding program and product evolution across the organisation, using evaluation insights and research acumen.

Elevating Impact through Strategic Communication

• Champion a culture of evidence-informed thinking across the organisation, inspiring colleagues to incorporate research into their work and decision-making processes.
• Produce and present high-impact research reports that captivate diverse audiences and showcase Smiling Mind's innovative approach to mental wellbeing.
• Translate complex research findings into compelling narratives that resonate with both technical and non-technical audiences, elevating Smiling Mind's profile in the field.

Key Teams / Stakeholders

This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with diverse stakeholders across Smiling Mind, as well as forge strategic partnerships with external research institutions and industry leaders. You'll be at the forefront of driving our research agenda and shaping the future of mental wellbeing interventions.

Join our passionate, high-growth team where your creativity, drive, and innovative thinking will directly contribute to changing lives. At Smiling Mind, we embrace challenges, celebrate successes, and work collaboratively to achieve extraordinary impact in mental wellbeing.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a relevant field such as Psychology, Public Health, or Social Sciences
• Significant experience in applied research within the mental health or wellbeing sector
• Demonstrated expertise in impact measurement and evaluation methodologies

Experience and Achievements

• Proven track record in driving research innovation and impact
• Demonstrated success in leading high-performing research teams
• Experience in securing research funding and managing partnerships
• History of publications or presentations in relevant fields
• Background in applying research to drive organisational strategy

Skills and Expertise

• Visionary leadership and strategic thinking
• Advanced mixed-methodology research skills
• innovative approach to impact measurement
• Exceptional data analysis and visualisation abilities
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to translate complex research into actionable insights

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about mental wellbeing and social impact
• Self-motivated with a strong drive for excellence
• Adaptable and thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to inspire and influence others
• Entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking

WE LOVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE

• A belief in the purpose and philosophy of Smiling Mind - that we can achieve generational change in mental health by focusing on building mental fitness skills in young people and the adults that surround them

• A desire to have a positive impact on the world – particularly through behaviour change and learning design

• The ability to blend agility and pace, with the rigour required to deliver impactful health services

• A growth mindset and willingness to learn

• Attention to detail, accountability, and ability to work to timelines and manage competing tasks

• A warm, friendly, collaborative, and engaging approach 

• Alignment to our values 

We're a friendly and highly driven small team with a big dream so expect to be surrounded by people who are passionate about changing the future generations of Australians. 'Smart Hustle' is a state of mind in a not-for-profit, but we are certainly not your standard. Smiling Mind is a high growth, fast paced organisation more akin to a tech start-up than what you might perceive a not-for-profit to be like.

Our people have tenacity, creativity, and resilience in spades, meaning we punch well above our weight, working together as a tight knit team to achieve great things.

You will be supported to succeed, but encouraged  to use initiative to get the job done, will be challenged to perform at your very best, and in return get the opportunity to learn from inspiring and skilled team members achieving life changing results for our community.

Other perks include a hybrid work environment, your birthday off each year, a wellbeing day to recharge and reset each quarter, salary sacrificing and a Collingwood based warehouse office which is most definitely dog friendly.

Smiling Mind is a child safe organisation and is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children, at all times. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory background checks including, but not limited to, Working with Children Check and Referee Checks.

We are committed to creating a workplace that promotes mutual learning, respect, dignity, cultural openness and an appreciation of differing perspectives and backgrounds. We encourage applications from all people regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, cultural background, or sexual orientation. It is our goal that Smiling Mind continues to evolve as a culturally safe and welcoming organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families, and communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this position.