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 delivery 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. 
 

 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.