Deputy Director (Communications Research)

[What the role is]

As Deputy Director (Communications Research), you will establish and lead CDA's communications research function and build the agency’s capabilities in data-driven communications.

Working alongside the Director, you will lead a newly formed Communications Research team to build an evidence-based understanding of how the public thinks about communicable diseases and public health issues, understand their concerns, and translate these insights into public communications that are timely, credible and effective.

You will be working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment that requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders at the same time.

[What you will be working on]

Job responsibilities:

• Build and sustain CDA's communications research capabilities, developing the processes, systems and team competencies that enable faster, more informed communications decisions.

• Design, implement and continuously refine research tools and frameworks — spanning social listening, sentiment analysis, audience segmentation, surveys, and misinformation tracking — to generate timely and actionable insights into public perceptions and emerging public health issues.

• Translate research findings into clear, strategic recommendations, ensuring evidence informs both messaging decisions and broader communications strategies.

• Provide strategic oversight to ensure research findings are meaningfully integrated into CDA’s communications strategies, with clear alignment to organisational priorities. Your team will also evaluate the effectiveness of messaging and communications initiatives on an ongoing basis.

• Partner closely with teams in the Corporate Communications division to embed research insights into communications strategies that resonate with the public and strengthen trust in CDA.

[What we are looking for]

Job Requirements:

• Minimum 12 years of experience in communications research, market research or strategic research within the government sector, healthcare institution or a medium to large organisation.

• Proven leadership experience in managing research teams and establishing research capabilities with an organisation, with demonstrated ability to inspire and develop team members while maintaining performance under pressure.

• Strong expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies with experience in digital analytics and data interpretation for strategic decision-making.

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills with strong communication and presentation abilities to translate research findings into actionable recommendations for senior leadership and communications teams.  

• Able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment with tight timeframes and competing priorities.

• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management and interpersonal skills.

As part of the shortlisting process for this role, candidates may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.