Join us as the Head of Prevention at The Sax Institute
  • A fantastic opportunity to lead the Prevention Centre and advise on other aspects of the Institute’s Prevention strategy
  • Collaborate with researchers, policy makers and practitioners
  • Great office located in Glebe (with a truly flexible and hybrid approach to work)
  • Professional, friendly and supportive environment
  • Not for profit sector with an opportunity to take advantage of great salary packaging benefits

About us

The Sax Institute is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that improves health and wellbeing by driving better use of evidence in policies, programs and services.

We have an international reputation as an Evidence Specialist, and over 20 years’ experience in translating research findings into policy drawing on our own expertise as well as that of our more than 60 member organisations. We work with governments, health organisations, research organisations and a network of experts nationwide to analyse policy problems and find the best evidence-based solutions.

Our office is based in Glebe, however, we offer great flexible and remote working arrangements (we come to the office for a purpose – to connect and to collaborate – with flexibility to choose your location of work outside these times). Our staff employee engagement survey showed our staff are proud to work here at the Institute and would recommend it as a great place to work – so read on and see how you can join the team!

About the role

The Sax Institute is seeking a Head, Prevention to join the Executive Team and lead the next-generation model of The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre (Prevention Centre). This is a new position that will take over from the current Co-Directors who will be moving on at end of 2023.

The successful candidate to be appointed as the new Head will be an established leader in chronic disease prevention, who will guide and inspire the work of the next-generation Prevention Centre as an integral and embedded program of the Sax Institute. The ongoing body of work will continue to be co-designed with policy funding partners and the prevention research community; build on the innovations and developments to-date; and contribute to the Sax Institute’s mission and strategy to improve Australians’ health and wellbeing by driving the use of evidence in policies, programs and services.

This role will suit someone who has extensive experience building partnerships between research institutions, government and non-government organisations, applied experience in supporting prevention policy, or program support and/or delivery and a strong track record in leading collaborative, partnership-based public health research.

Leading a talented team, this is a diverse role that will see you able to apply systems thinking, methods and tools for chronic disease prevention research, policy and/or practice experience.  

Although no two days will be the same, your responsibilities will include:

  • Building national prevention system leadership
  • Convening and leading robust research, policy and practice dialogues
  • Incubating and driving new knowledge
  • Providing scientific and applied leadership on the use of systems thinking, methods and tools
  • Contributing to the development and strategy of the Institute

About you & next steps

We are looking for an experienced and innovative leader who has the following experience and current skill set:

  • PhD or equivalent in public health, chronic disease prevention or a relevant related field.
  • Extensive experience of building partnerships between research institutions and government and non-government organisations.
  • At least 10 years of experience in prevention policy or program delivery, or working in close partnership with government and NGOs to support policy and program delivery. 
  • Strong track record of leading prevention / public health research. A senior academic affiliation with an Australian university is highly desirable.
  • Sound understanding of system science, with demonstrated ability to apply systems thinking to support strategic systemic change in applied settings, and the use of systems science to inform and guide research questions and methods in prevention / public health.
  • Demonstrated experience in leading and managing teams, particularly through periods of change, and with proven ability to support, develop, mentor and inspire effective multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop persuasive and compelling funding proposals and negotiate complex agreements.
  • Ability to effectively prioritise and manage complex projects, meet deadlines, and work collaboratively across research disciplines, and policy and practice in health and non-health sectors.

If this sounds like the role you have been dreaming of next, please click here to read more about this great opportunity.

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter addressing the Selection Criteria to jobs@saxinstitute.org.au with the subject heading: Head, Prevention by 30 August 2023.

Please contact Martin McNamara at martin.mcnamara@saxinstitute.org.au if you have further questions about the role.

The Sax Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Learn more about Career Opportunities.