Research and engagement officer, The Plug-in

Are you passionate about designing research that makes a real difference? Do you want to deliver research projects that influence projects, policies and programs for older South Australians?

COTA SA is seeking an experienced researcher to join our team at The Plug-in. This role is being offered as a full-time role, part-time hours (0.8FTE) may be available to the appointee by negotiation.

ABOUT COTA SA AND THE PLUG-IN

COTA SA (Council on the Ageing South Australia) is the peak body for around 700,000 people in South Australia. We believe ageing is a time of possibility, opportunity and influence and we offer a wide range of programs and services designed for, with and by older people. The Plug-in is COTA SA’s social enterprise and specialist market insights operation which connects older people with business, industry and researchers who want to understand them better. We give older people an influential voice and enable clients to innovate and improve products, services and policies for the growing 50+ market. The Plug-in draws on its own highly engaged community of people aged 50+ that is demographically diverse to reflect the general population and since start-up in 2017, we have delivered projects for clients across aged care, health, government, banking, legal, technology, urban planning, transport, lifestyle and retail. The Plug-in is a member of Australian Data & Insights Association (ADIA).

ABOUT THE ROLE
As The Plug-in's Research and Engagement Officer, you’ll design and deliver research and engagement activities that give older people a voice. You’ll work closely with a supportive team to plan and run research projects, gather and analyse data, and translate insights into clear recommendations that support both The Plug-in’s client projects and COTA SA’s policy and advocacy work.

This is a hands-on role, in a small team, with a busy schedule of project work. Working to direction from and with the support of the Head of The Plug-in, alongside a dynamic team of research and engagement specialists, and supported by COTA SA’s administrative staff, you’ll contribute to the successful end-to-end delivery of a mix of both social and market research projects, using a range of qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation methodologies. A typical day may see you:

having active input into the design of proposed research and writing applications,
investigating existing data and research on a topic,
contacting our community members to answer queries, invite them to participate in research or confirm their attendance,
designing and leading focus groups, workshops, and in-depth interviews,
designing and testing surveys,
data cleaning and analysis of findings (both quant and qual),
writing and presenting research findings in a way that is meaningful to clients and consumers,
contribute to team improvements and help grow The Plug-in impact.

You’ll be a key team member, involved in every aspect of our projects and representation of The Plug-in. Whether working autonomously or collaboratively, you’ll work to the timelines and budgets of the project to deliver valuable insights. You’ll also contribute to the ongoing development of The Plug-in’s internal systems and processes based on industry best practice and to the overall positive workplace culture at COTA SA. The projects will range from health and community wellbeing to consumer experience, to academic engagement.

The position is offered as a full-time role (part-time hours (0.8FTE) may be available to the appointee by negotiation) for an initial 12-month contract with the possibility of extension. Salary will be negotiated based on skills and experience. Generous salary packaging is available. The position is based in our Hutt Street office with access to flexible and hybrid work arrangements. Some regional SA travel can be expected. Employees have access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Program and regular training options for professional development.

ABOUT YOU
To be successful in this role, you’ll be someone who enjoys connecting with people, values ethical and inclusive research, and can bring energy and organisation to managing multiple projects. You will likely come from a background in market research, social research, community engagement or customer experience, where working directly with consumers has been a regular feature of your work. You will have demonstrated experience in designing and undertaking research in a hands-on way across a range of methodologies, with great communication skills and an ability to build rapport with people from a diverse range of backgrounds. You’ll understand how to translate research findings into insights our clients can act on and you’ll have great project management skills with high standards of professionalism and ethical integrity.

As a person, you will be driven to contribute to a research approach that makes lives better for older people and values our participants as key stakeholders in all we do. You will support the vision and values of COTA SA, and The Plug-in’s own values: Agile, Accountable, Analytical and Approachable. While not essential, we will look favourably on applicants with experience working directly with clients in an aged care, health, or a community setting. An understanding of working with universities and government clients will also be an advantage.

TO APPLY
Candidates should review the position description and apply via Seek, submitting their CV along with a one page cover letter outlining their fit for the role.

Applications close 10am Thursday 17 July.

Enquiries to Rachael Nielsen, Head of The Plug-in, COTA SA, 08 8232 0422.

No agency enquiries.

For more information about The Plug-in and COTA SA, visit www.theplugin.com.au