Research Program Lead

RSL Queensland is a dynamic, not-for-profit organisation supporting veterans and their families through innovative programs, research investment and community leadership. For more than a century, our purpose, care, commemoration and camaraderie, is as strong as ever.

Make a meaningful impact supporting veterans, while leading high-value partnerships and program delivery. We are seeking a highly organised and relationship-driven Research Program Lead to oversee key partnerships and ensure the successful delivery of programs that improve the wellbeing of Queensland’s veteran community. This role is about owning relationships, managing contracts, and bringing programs to life in the market.

Working closely with research institutes and sector organisations, you will help cultivate high-value partnerships that extend the reach and credibility of RSL Queensland’s research initiatives. You will contribute to partnership development, support funding and grant opportunities, and help position research-led programs for broader adoption across the veteran support ecosystem.

Key responsibilities include

• Oversee contractual and operational oversight of RSL Queensland’s clinical research portfolio and stakeholder licences of programs
• Project managing research deliverables, milestones and reporting requirements
• Acting as the conduit between research partners and internal teams
• Actively promoting existing programs and services
• Coordinating governance, legal, compliance and marketing inputs for service delivery
• Undertake business development for the uptake of RSLQ evidenced informed services
• Identifying and supporting opportunities to expand sector adoption of research-led programs

About you

• Tertiary qualification in health, science, public health, research, social sciences, business, public policy or similar
• 3–5 years’ experience in research project coordination, project, contract or program management within complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience working with research institutes, clinical organisations or community services
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to synthesise research and communicate clearly
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement and communication and presentation skills.
• High level of attention to detail, balanced with the ability to see broader strategic implications
• Emotional intelligence and confidence operating in sensitive environments

This position would suit someone who is comfortable navigating complexity, building trusted relationships, and driving initiatives from concept through to sector adoption. You are someone who brings a balance of stakeholder engagement, coordination and practical implementation capability, rather than a purely academic or research-focused background.