Director, Innovation & Research

About the Opportunity

HammondCare has   established   Hammond Innovations   to accelerate the translation of knowledge into measurable impact across dementia, palliative and complex care. Through the   IDEA Hub (Insight, Design, Evidence and Action) , Hammond Innovations brings together research, innovation, evaluation,   partnerships   and   knowledge   translation to solve complex care challenges and improve quality of life for older Australians.

We are seeking an exceptional   Director, Research & Innovation   to lead   the   deliver y of   HammondCare's   research and innovation strategy, ensuring ideas and evidence are transformed into practical, scalable solutions that improve care outcomes, workforce   capability   and organisational performance.

Reporting to the   Executive General Manager, Hammond Innovations , this is a senior leadership role responsible for a diverse portfolio spanning applied research, innovation delivery, evaluation, grants, partnerships, clinical trials, digital   health   and AI. You will provide strategic leadership across a team of specialist leaders while building the partnerships, funding pathways and governance structures needed to maximise impact across HammondCare and the broader sector.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of evidence-based innovation in aged care and strengthen   HammondCare's   position as a recognised leader in dementia, palliative and complex care   research   and innovation.

This is a permanent full-time opportunity, based out of our St Leonards or Malvern office.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the implementation of Hammond Innovations' research and innovation strategy, translating priorities into a clear, high-impact portfolio of initiatives.

- Oversee the research, innovation, evaluation, grants, partnerships, clinical   trials   and digital health portfolio, ensuring   strong performance ,   governance   and measurable outcomes.

- Build and grow strategic partnerships with universities, research institutes, government agencies, industry   partners   and funding bodies.

- Drive external funding, grant development and collaboration opportunities that support   HammondCare's   innovation and research agenda.

- Ensure robust governance, risk management, ethics, compliance and reporting across research,   innovation   and clinical trial activities.

- Lead evaluation, evidence generation and impact measurement to inform investment,   adoption   and scaling decisions.

- Identify   commercialisation, revenue generation and sustainable funding opportunities across the innovation portfolio.

- Provide   strategic advice to executive leaders on innovation priorities, investment   opportunities   and emerging trends.

- Lead and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team across research, evaluation, governance, grants, clinical   AI   and innovation functions.

- Represent HammondCare externally, strengthening the organisation's reputation as a leader in research,   innovation   and knowledge translation.

What do we need from you?

- Demonstrated senior leadership experience in research, innovation, health services, aged care, clinical translation,   commercialisation   or related sectors.

- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams across research, innovation, evaluation, governance, grants, partnerships, digital   health   or clinical trials.

- Experience translating strategy into operating models, programs,   portfolios   and measurable organisational outcomes.

- Strong understanding of applied research, evaluation, evidence generation,   implementation   and knowledge translation.

- Experience securing and managing major grants,   partnerships   and externally funded initiatives.

- Demonstrated experience overseeing governance, ethics, risk, compliance and reporting requirements across research and innovation activities.

- Commercial acumen with the ability to assess investment opportunities, funding models,   partnerships   and scale pathways.

- Strong stakeholder management experience and the ability to influence executive leaders,   funders   and external partners.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including Board and executive-level reporting.

- Proven ability to lead change, navigate complexity and deliver outcomes through others.

- Tertiary qualifications in health, public health, implementation science, business, innovation,   research   or a related discipline.

- Commitment to   HammondCare's   Christian Mission, Motivation and Mission in Action.

Highly Regarded

- Experience in aged care, dementia, palliative care, digital health,   AI   or   industry sponsored drug trials .

- Experience working with universities, research institutes, government, pharmaceutical, technology or philanthropic organisations.

- Knowledge of innovation operating models, portfolio governance, design-led   approaches   and stage-gate processes.

- Experience with   industry sponsored   clinical trials, research   governance   and human research ethics frameworks.

- Postgraduate qualifications in research, evaluation, health leadership, business, implementation science, public   health   or related fields.

- Understanding of digital health, AI   governance   and technology-enabled service innovation.

Why Join HammondCare?

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of Australia's most significant research and innovation portfolios focused on improving quality of life for older people with complex care needs.

You will:

- Lead impactful research and innovation across dementia, palliative and complex care.

- Influence organisational and sector-wide improvements through evidence-based innovation.

- Work alongside leading clinicians, researchers,   innovators   and external partners.

- Drive funding, partnerships and commercial opportunities that support sustainable growth and impact.

- Shape the future direction of Hammond Innovations and the IDEA Hub.

- Be part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to improving the lives of people in need.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are a strategic and influential leader with a passion for research,   innovation   and translating evidence into real-world impact,   we'd   love to hear from you.

Apply now   and help HammondCare transform insight into innovation, innovation into action, and action into better outcomes for older Australians.

HammondCare is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strive to create an environment where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work.