Currently Hiring - Project and Research Manager

The short version

Rewiring Australia is taking on an exciting new project in the world of household electrification and we’re looking for a highly organised and strategic Project and Research Manager to lead our new Installer Innovation project.

This work, funded primarily by the ACT Government’s Energy Innovation Fund, aims to build a connected, informed, and empowered network of tradies (eg. electricians, plumbers, air con installers etc) who can accelerate household electrification across the Territory. 

The project is part-research, to understand current attitudes and behaviours within the installer sector towards household electrification, and part-engagement to better support interested tradespeople.

Position: Project and Research Manager

Employment Type: Full-time (1.0 FTE), Fixed Term (12 Months) 

Location: Canberra, ACT 

Salary: $100 - 120K + superannuation

Timing: This project is kicking off very soon (July/August)! Get your applications in ASAP

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Download the role description here.

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About the Role and Project

This role is a great opportunity for someone who wants to lead an exciting new project conducting real-world research and engagement with an important cohort - residential tradespeople. You will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of this 12-month program, ensuring all research, engagement, and reporting milestones are met. You will work closely with the project’s Engagement Lead to undertake focused and impactful research and engagement activities and analyse the learnings to inform potential pathways to help electrify more homes and cars in the ACT.

The first part of the Installer Innovation project will be conducting a series of research activities with tradespeople and households, such as interviews and surveys. After analysing the results, the project will then conduct engagement activities with installers, such as informational workshops, to help build their capacity and connect them with training and business opportunities. 

You will bridge the gap between technical research and practical industry engagement, working to position installers as "trusted advisors" in the energy transition. This role will suit someone who enjoys being in the driver’s seat of a project, while also happy to be hands-on and connect with people on the ground.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Project Management & Governance

• Manage the project lifecycle across five phases: Design, Research, Co-design, Engagement, and Knowledge Sharing.
• Oversee adherence to the funding agreement, ensuring all financial acquittals, milestone evidence, and progress reports are submitted on time.
• Manage key stakeholders such as industry bodies (eg. Electrical Trades Union), community partners (eg. Electrify Canberra), businesses (eg. Brighte) and research partners (eg. Canberra Institute of Technology).

2. Research & Engagement 

• Work closely with Rewiring Australia’s Research Lead to design and oversee qualitative and quantitative research activities, including household surveys and installer interviews.
• Work closely with the project’s new Engagement Lead who will be responsible for implementing research and engagement activities.
• Synthesis and analyse data to identify barriers to and opportunities for electrification within the installer industry.

3. Knowledge Sharing & Resource Development

• Assess research findings alongside existing ACT Government policies such as the Integrated Energy Plan 2024-2030 and the Sustainable Household Scheme, providing actionable recommendations for policy tuning.
• Author practical reports on key learnings and share with interested stakeholders.
• Identify and develop needed resources, such as explainer guides, to help with customer awareness.

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Skills and Experience

You may come from the non-profit, research, government, start-up or climate/energy sector. The sector matters less than the skillset and the mindset. 

You’re the right person if:

• You’re excited to throw yourself into a dynamic working environment and can act fast and with competence.
• You have proven experience managing projects, programs or coordinated activities.
• You appreciate research that’s done in a practical, focused way that has real-world application. Experience in social or market research design, data synthesis, and/or report writing is helpful.
• You have an ability to manage diverse stakeholders, from government officials to trade industry associations.
• You work well in a small team with big ambitions, and generally care about our goal to electrify everything as a climate and cost-of-living solution
• Desirable: Understanding of the residential trades and renewable energy sectors.
• Desirable: Familiarity with ACT Government energy programs (e.g., Sustainable Household Scheme).

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Interested?

If you come recommended by our friends and network, we're happy to have a conversation before you write a full application.

Reach out to Kristen McDonald at kristen@rewiringaustralia.org if you’d like to chat about the role.