Director, Innovation & Research

About the Opportunity

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

We are seeking an exceptionalDirector, Research & Innovationto leadthedelivery ofHammondCare'sresearch and innovation strategy, ensuring ideas and evidence are transformed into practical, scalable solutions that improve care outcomes, workforcecapabilityand organisational performance.

Reporting to theExecutive 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, digitalhealthand 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 strengthenHammondCare'sposition as a recognised leader in dementia, palliative and complex careresearchand 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, clinicaltrialsand digital health portfolio, ensuringstrong performance,governanceand measurable outcomes.

• Build and grow strategic partnerships with universities, research institutes, government agencies, industrypartnersand funding bodies.

• Drive external funding, grant development and collaboration opportunities that supportHammondCare'sinnovation and research agenda.

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

• Lead evaluation, evidence generation and impact measurement to inform investment,adoptionand scaling decisions.

• Identifycommercialisation, revenue generation and sustainable funding opportunities across the innovation portfolio.

• Providestrategic advice to executive leaders on innovation priorities, investmentopportunitiesand emerging trends.

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

• Represent HammondCare externally, strengthening the organisation's reputation as a leader in research,innovationand knowledge translation.

What do we need from you?

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in research, innovation, health services, aged care, clinical translation,commercialisationor related sectors.

• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams across research, innovation, evaluation, governance, grants, partnerships, digitalhealthor clinical trials.

• Experience translating strategy into operating models, programs,portfoliosand measurable organisational outcomes.

• Strong understanding of applied research, evaluation, evidence generation,implementationand knowledge translation.

• Experience securing and managing major grants,partnershipsand 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,partnershipsand scale pathways.

• Strong stakeholder management experience and the ability to influence executive leaders,fundersand 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,researchor a related discipline.

• Commitment toHammondCare'sChristian Mission, Motivation and Mission in Action.

Highly Regarded

• Experience in aged care, dementia, palliative care, digital health,AIorindustry sponsored drug trials.

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

• Knowledge of innovation operating models, portfolio governance, design-ledapproachesand stage-gate processes.

• Experience withindustry sponsoredclinical trials, researchgovernanceand human research ethics frameworks.

• Postgraduate qualifications in research, evaluation, health leadership, business, implementation science, publichealthor related fields.

• Understanding of digital health, AIgovernanceand 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,innovatorsand 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,innovationand translating evidence into real-world impact,we'dlove to hear from you.

Apply nowand 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.