Research Coordinator

• Part time position 3 days per week – flexible days, working from home possible
• Join a creative, for purpose organisation in a research role supporting the development of arts based practice that improves the healthcare experience for sick kids and vulnerable adults.
• Salary packaging available.
• Additional leave given between Christmas and New Year

ABOUT US

The Humour Foundation truly believes laughter is the best medicine. Working with paediatric hospitals and aged care facilities, our programs improve the healthcare experience for sick kids and vulnerable adults through our primary programs, Clown Doctors and Laughter Care.

Engaging 70+ professional performers, the Foundation delivers programs in 20+ hospitals nationally, and works with residents living with dementia and/or experiencing social isolation in aged care facilities. Our work is based on research that proves the physiological and psychological benefits of laughter to health and well-being.

Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to be respectful, compassionate, optimistic and creative.

The Humour Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, expecting all staff and performers to share this commitment. Selected applicants must undergo a Working with Children Check and National Police Check.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a new position at The Humour Foundation, created in response to our desire to rigorously evaluate and improve our work and its impact. There will be a lot of scope for the right applicant to develop the role in order to maximise its impact.

We have already funded a PhD study of our paediatric program, and participated in a 3 year NHMRC funded study into our aged care program. This is an exciting opportunity to assist with further investigating the opportunities for arts based practice to improve the lives of vulnerable children and older Australians.

This position will assist in the development and coordination of The Humour Foundation (THF) research programs. The aims include investigating the methodologies and impact of THF programs; building stronger working relationships with medical and facility partners and providing information that assists us to determine new and best application of THF programs. The position reports to the Artistic Director and works in partnership with the National Programs Manager.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Coordinating all THF research activities.
• Assisting in the development of a research framework that supports THF strategic objectives.
• Seeking research opportunities in line with THF strategic objectives.
• Development of effective measurement and evaluation tools for programs and individual projects.
• Developing and supporting research partnerships with individual researchers and research institutions
• Collation of existing research that supports THF programs
• Keeping abreast of new research relevant to THF programs

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Passionate about the role of the arts in health
• Demonstrated experience in qualitative and/or quantitative research projects.
• Tertiary qualifications in education, social policy, social science or public health
• Experience in program evaluation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to write research reports and present research findings.
• Excellent people skills.
• Experience in development and implementation of evaluation tools.
• Experience in research and data analytics.
• Experience in data collection and management.
• A thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and multitask.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible, proactive attitude to work

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Research experience to honours level or higher in the health care sector, in particular paediatric hospitals and/or aged care.
• Experience in the for-purpose or not-for-profit sector
• Working knowledge of research software.

Please note that interstate travel is likely to be required for some meetings and will be required for national meetings and our annual conference.

To find out more about The Humour Foundation visit our website: www.humourfoundation.org.au

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this position you will need to submit the following:

• A covering letter which addresses the essential and desirable selection criteria.
• A current CV detailing your work history and main areas of responsibility.
• The contact details for least two referees (these will not be contacted without your permission).

No recruitment agency assistance required, thank you.

Please note that there is no set closing date for this position, and that we will interview suitable applicants as they come to our attention.