Executive Director, Research and Development

About us…

KWY is an award-winning Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation delivering culturally grounded programs that support Aboriginal people, families and communities to create positive, lasting change. 

Since 2011, KWY has worked to break the cycle of domestic and family violence, strengthen family wellbeing, and reduce the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in the child protection system. Our services span family support, youth work, men’s behaviour change, kinship care, reunification, social and emotional wellbeing, research, and workforce development. 

Supporting more than 2,300 families each year, KWY offers a collaborative, values-driven workplace where your work makes a genuine difference in the lives of Aboriginal families and communities. 

About the position... 

The Executive Director, Research and Development is a key executive leadership role responsible for driving organisational growth, innovation, quality improvement, advocacy and evidence generation across KWY. Full time or Part time from 0.6.

This position is being offered as a 9-month parental leave cover contract, providing an exciting opportunity to lead KWY's Research and Development portfolio during a period of significant organisational growth and innovation. 

The role provides strategic leadership across two interconnected teams: 

Business Development 

• Grants and tenders 
• Quality improvement and service modelling  
• Advocacy and policy development 
• Strategic and organisational development projects 

Research and Innovation 

• Research grant development and management 
• Participatory action research and community-led research initiatives 
• Translation of research into service innovation and systems reform 

Working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Director leads the identification of funding opportunities, development of innovative service models, implementation of organisational quality frameworks, advancement of Aboriginal-led advocacy agendas and growth of KWY's research portfolio. 

The role requires a strategic and growth-oriented leader with the ability to identify opportunities, drive innovation, build strong partnerships and lead organisational development. Working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Director will play a key role in strengthening organisational sustainability, expanding service and research opportunities, securing new investment, and positioning KWY as a leader in Aboriginal-led research, innovation, advocacy and systems reform.

Key Responsibilities...

• Funding opportunities, developing proposals, and ensuring timely and high-quality submissions 
• Program design, service modelling, and the implementation of new and existing initiatives
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, deliverables, and risk assessments across a variety of internal and external projects 
• Undertake research, policy analysis, and evaluation activities to support evidence-based practice and organisational learning 
• Draft high-quality reports, policy submissions, and briefing documents 
• Support the development and review of organisational policies and procedures 
• Engage with stakeholders and partners through consultation, communication, and collaborative project work 
• Ensure compliance with funding requirements, data management, and reporting standards 
• Contribute to quality assurance and continuous improvement processes 
• Work in a culturally responsive, trauma-informed manner that reflects KWY’s values and commitment to community. 

About you...

We are seeking an experienced and visionary leader with a strong track record in strategic development, research, innovation, policy and organisational growth. 

You will bring: 

• Demonstrated executive or senior leadership experience. 
• Significant experience in business development, grants, tenders and strategic project delivery. 
• Experience leading research, evaluation or evidence-generation initiatives. 
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal-led approaches, self-determination and culturally responsive practice. 
• Experience building partnerships across government, academia, community and philanthropic sectors. 
• Exceptional written communication skills, including strategic reports, funding submissions and policy papers. 
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving capabilities. 
• Demonstrated ability to inspire teams and drive organisational change. 

What we offer...

• Competitive salary: Salary will be negotiated based on qualifications, skills

 and relevant experience.

• Salary Packaging: Attractive salary packaging options, including meal entertainment benefits, novated leasing, and more up (package up to $18,550 per FBT year)
• Generous leave benefits: Additional 7 days of gifted leave on top of the 4 weeks annual leave (gifted leave conditions apply)
• Professional development: Growing organisation with great career opportunities and ongoing training and career growth
• Inclusive culture: Join a friendly, values-driven team passionate about supporting the community
• Employee Assistance Program: Support for your wellbeing

Job requirements...

• You must hold a current South Australian Driver's License or a license which permits you to drive in South Australia.
• Successful candidates will be required to clear and maintain current probity checks including National Criminal History Record Check (Police Clearance) and Working with Children Check (applicants need to hold a current WWCC to apply). 

About applying... 

• Please submit your application via Seek, including a cover letter addressing the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the position description.
• Visit our website www.kwy.org.au/employment/current-vacancies to download the full job description.
• Applications close once position is filled.
• Start date: As soon as possible

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.