Executive Director Research

Summary about this job

Detail information about job Executive Director Research. Terms and conditions vacancy

• Unique opportunity for an experienced professional to manage our research arm
• Flexible work environment with a leading national NFP organisation
• Applications considered from all locations in Australia

About the business and the role

Motor Neurone Disease Australia is the national voice representing all Australians who share the vision of a world without motor neurone disease (MND).

Drawing on over 35 years of experience, MND Australia works with a national network of State MND Associations to advocate, educate and raise awareness. Our goal is to empower Australians impacted by MND to live better for longer.

Until there is a cure, MND Australia's research arm, the MND Research Institute of Australia (MNDRIA), will promote and fund the best research with the greatest chance of making MND treatable.

Job tasks and responsibilities

An opportunity exists for a highly experienced, dynamic and passionate professional to join the MND community.

• Be a part of a small passionate team focused on funding only the best research to improve the lives of Australians living with MND and stop MND
• Drive the delivery of the Research Strategy 2018 – 2021
• Make a difference, grow your career and achieve work life balance

Reporting to the CEO and Chairman of the Research Committee your primary responsibility will be to implement the current research strategy and effectively communicate research outcomes to the MND community in a manner consistent with our organisations' values through:

1. Effectively and efficiently managing MND Australia's research arm
2. Creating, maintaining and developing valuable linkages and collaborations and raising the profile of MND research nationally
3. Developing and coordinating national research grants in collaboration with the Chairman and members of the research committee
4. Communicating latest research findings to members and the MND community
5. Liaising with national and international organisations, bodies and associations aligned to the MND Australia research Aims and Objectives
6. Ensuring the financial growth and development of research funding

Skills and experience

This is an outstanding opportunity, for an experienced and highly motivated professional with a scientific research or clinical background to join the MND Australia team and help move us closer to our vision of a world without MND.

You will have at least five years post graduate experience in a relevant field with excellent writing, communication, relationship and people management skills.  You are committed to the ethos of growing MND research and promoting a better life for people living with MND. You can demonstrate the following essential criteria:

Education and Experience:

• Relevant  tertiary qualifications in Science
• Confident and competent public speaker with good media skills
• Proven communication, collaboration and negotiation skills
• Experience of the clinical aspects of MND and/or scientific research
• Understanding of research administration
• Financial management experience

Essential Competencies

·Team Development

• Flexible approach
• Ability to work alone and as part of a small team
• Proven ability to think strategically
• Self-motivated, good problem solver and enjoy managing multiple tasks and goals
• You will be known for your exceptional relationship management, attention to detail, engagement and writing skills, be approachable, resilient, flexible and results orientated with the ability to handle complexity and extremely proactive.
• You will have a proven ability to relate to scientists and clinicians and to communicate research to the lay audience

IT competencies

• Full Microsoft suite
• Website and social media management experience

Desirable:

• Understanding of MND or related conditions
• Not for profit experience

Job benefits and perks

MND Australia is a great values-driven place to work and offers above award salaries, flexible working arrangements, salary packaging and professional development opportunities.

This role is an opportunity for an experienced research professional to join a small, passionate team and make a difference to the lives of people living with MND and their families. 

Apply for this Job

If you're looking for a role where your energy and enthusiasm will be rewarded, your ideas embraced and where you can make a difference while building your professional career please include a cover letter (max. 3 pages) addressing the selection criteria outlined above with your application along with your CV. 

For more information contact CEO, Carol Birks on 0408 461 932

Early applications are encouraged and suitable applicants may be shortlisted for interview before the closing date 31 July 2018.