Head of Social and Government Full-time Job

About the job

Our client is a leading research and evaluation agency specialising in high-quality evidence to improve the performance of public sector communications, programs and policies. Their multidisciplinary team—have helped shape national approaches to mental health, education, climate change, family violence, disability and childhood trauma.

The organisation delivers some of Australia’s largest longitudinal community studies, blending traditional survey approaches with cutting-edge technology to enhance representativeness, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The Role

As The Director Of Public Affairs – Quantitative Methods, You’ll Report Directly To The Managing Director And Form Part Of The Executive Leadership Team. You Will

Lead and mentor a team of around ten professionals across the business.

Design large-scale, multi-modal quantitative research projects using innovative methodologies.

Leverage strong client relationships and identify new opportunities within the NSW public sector.

Oversee major ongoing studies, ensuring quality, ISO compliance and methodological rigour.

Evaluate and refine data systems, exploring emerging technologies such as AI and synthetic data.

Contribute to strategic projects and operational improvements across IT and HR functions.

About You

You are a senior quantitative research leader who thrives on methodological innovation and public impact. You’ll bring:

Extensive experience as a Quantitative Research Director or equivalent within social or public affairs research.

Strong leadership, client management and proposal-writing expertise.

Track record of introducing innovative practises.

Excellent organisational and communication skills.

A collaborative, proactive approach and the ability to inspire high performance.

Preferably, an existing network within NSW Government departments.

Benefits

Join a high-profile, purpose-driven research organisation influencing Australia’s most important social policies.

Lead a capable, well-resourced team with access to global tools and innovation.

Competitive executive package, flexible work options and clear pathways to senior leadership.

Please note that you must have permanent residency/citizenship for Australia to be considered for this role.

If you feel this role is for you, please apply using the link on this page.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Aptitude Recruitment and our consultants have been trusted advisors to the market research industry for many years, having built long-standing relationships with the industrys best businesses from the most niche boutique agencies to the biggest global firms operating in Australia.
Our clients value our insights due to the deep understanding we have of their businesses and the industry as well as having a strong grasp of the needs and desires of its professionals and how these can evolve over time.
A core value of Aptitude Recruitment is that we probe our candidates on their current career stage and what they are seeking from their next role to further their professional development rather than evaluating them purely against any particular assignment we are working on. Due to this, our candidates confide in us their vision for their professional lives which allows us to introduce them to those roles where they are going to get the motivation and fulfilment to excel.
This model has allowed us to share in the successes of our business partners in achieving the goals and visions they have worked so hard to achieve. It is also incredibly rewarding for us to see our candidates shine in those roles we have introduced them to and to follow their successes as their careers progress.