Director Research & Policy
April 2015
Reporting to:
CEO
Direct Reports:
5
Status:
Permanent
Salary range:
Commensurate with experience & qualifications
Location:
Sydney
Full Time
About the organisation
ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people.
One in four young Australians are experiencing a mental health difficulty. But there’s an even
bigger problem: 70% of those who need help don’t get it. After friends and family, the
internet is the first place young people turn to for information and support. That’s where
ReachOut Australia comes in.
Since 1998, ReachOut has worked alongside young people to deliver online tools that
address youth mental health and reduce youth suicide. Everything on ReachOut is
developed in partnership with young people, making it relevant and engaging. Plus, it’s all
based on the latest evidence for promoting mental health, which means it’s trustworthy and
effective.
ReachOut is a safe space for young people to learn about what they can do to get through
(or help others through) tough times. Available anytime and pretty much anywhere,
ReachOut receives over 1.85 million visitors a year.
About the role
The Director of Research and Policy is accountable for developing and sustaining strong
relationships with State and Federal Governments and engaging Government around the
benefits of e-mental health services and ReachOut specifically with a view to sustain and
increase Government investment in our services. ReachOut receives investment from the
Federal Government through the Departments of Health and Social Services and is building
a strong relationship with the NSW and WA State Governments.
To support this advocacy you will also oversee the organisation’s programs of applied
research and service evaluation to strengthen the evidence base of our services and the role
that technology can play in improving health outcomes. This research is varied and includes
user experience research to inform product and service development; service evaluation and
policy reports that increase Governments’ understanding of the benefits of e-mental health
services.
Main Responsibilities
Policy
 Lead ReachOut’s nation-wide program of policy advocacy and government relations,
including identifying opportunities to promote ReachOut’s research and program
activities, and to secure further government investment
 Stay across emerging political and policy developments and provide advice to the
CEO, Leadership Team & Board on potential implications for the organisation
 Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders (including Ministers,
Parliamentarians and senior bureaucrats) at the Commonwealth and State/Territory
level
 Coordinate with the Director Marketing & Communication on organisational
messaging, positioning & campaigns
 Lead the preparation of policy reports & submissions; represent the organisation in
key public forums
 Provide policy leadership, decision making and direction to the organisation
Research
 Work with the Research & Policy team to develop a research and evaluation agenda
that supports the strategic priorities of the organisation
 Work with other Directors to coordinate delivery of research & evaluation activities
that support product development, service delivery, communications and fundraising
needs
 Build and sustain strong relationships with key universities to deliver our research
priorities projects
 Develop and sustain relationships with key corporate partners who can assist in
furthering our public policy aims or provide probono resources
Collaborative working
 Work effectively with cross function teams including service delivery, UX research,
evaluation, marketing, finance and fundraising
 Use influence with cross-functional teams without formal management authority to
ensure the delivery of the best product
 Work with external stakeholders including mental health organisations and academic
bodies on collaborative projects
Leadership and people management
 Manage the team work-load and resourcing to provide timely and high-quality policy,
research, and evaluation
 Coach and manage your team ensuring ongoing employee growth and development
 Promote the team’s achievement and be a motivating force for your team
 Work effectively with cross functional teams including service delivery, product
development, marketing, finance and fundraising to ensure that ReachOut.com
meets its strategic goals
 Identify ways to meaningfully involve and support young people and grow the
ReachOut.com community of supporters
 Play a leadership role in the organisation and champion our values
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Key Relationships
With
Purpose
1. CEO
The CEO provides ongoing leadership, management and
support
2. Leadership Team
Participate as a positive and collaborative member of the
Leadership Team
3. Research & Policy Team
Provide ongoing leadership, management and support
4. Other teams
Work with other teams to deliver research & evaluation
activities that support product development, service delivery,
marketing, communications and fundraising needs
To be successful in the role, you need:
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Relevant tertiary qualification
Demonstrated experience managing research and government relations
Demonstrated understanding of the health context and commitment to the delivery of
services via the internet and mobile technology
Experience in building and managing strong external relationships
Superior communication skills, including written and verbal presentation skills
Demonstrated leadership, people management and influencing skills with proven
ability to translate strategy into programs of work
Able to work successfully within a cross-functional team environment and to
effectively engage internal & external stakeholders
Innovative thinking and problem solving
A commitment to ReachOut Australia’s values and behaviours including working in
partnership with young people
Able to engage young people in our work in meaningful and creative ways.
We also think it would be helpful to have:
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Experience of supporting young people experiencing mental health difficulties
Experience in developing program logics and undertaking rigorous program
evaluations
Experience with online program delivery and user-centred design
Relevant experience in a not-for-profit organisation or government
Experience in managing government contracts
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