About the Organization

Optometry Australia is the peak professional body for optometry in Australia, representing more than 6,000 members.

The organisation supports optometrists through essential services, resources and advocacy, helping members thrive within an evolving optometry sector.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and leading a team of eight across continuing professional development, publications, and professional practice and standards, the Head of Education & Research will hold executive-level responsibility for Optometry Australia's education, clinical guidance and research portfolio.

The role will lead the design, delivery and evaluation of the continuing professional development programme, oversee education quality assurance, guide evidence-based clinical resources, and contribute to culturally safe optometry care across the profession and organisation.

As a member of the Executive Team, the role will also contribute to organisation-wide strategy, planning and culture.

Key Responsibilities

Education & Professional Development

• Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of the education portfolio, clinical guidance and priority research initiatives.
• Oversee continuing professional development programmes across face-to-face events, webinars and online learning.
• Ensure educational content reflects members' learning needs, entry-level competency standards and evolving areas of clinical practice.
• Oversee the quality assurance function supporting members to identify and access quality-assured content from external CPD providers.
• Lead the implementation and ongoing development of the Advanced Practice Recognition programme and other professional practice pathways.

Clinical Guidance & Research

• Oversee the development of evidence-based clinical guidance resources, including clinical practice guidelines.
• Lead strategic research projects and oversee analysis of research and data relevant to the changing optometry sector.
• Translate research into clinical practice and practical, evidence-based resources for practitioners.
• Oversee coordination supporting the ongoing delivery of Clinical and Experimental Optometry as a quality scientific journal.

First Nations Engagement & Cultural Safety

• Co-design, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders and eye health experts, Optometry Australia's commitment to a culturally safe optometry profession.
• Embed culturally safe and responsive practice across the profession and organisation.
• Privilege First Nations perspectives and work in partnership with First Nations organisations.

Stakeholder & Team Leadership

• Build and manage relationships with universities, schools of optometry, researchers and other education and research organisations.
• Lead, support and develop a team of eight.
• Set clear priorities while maintaining quality, consistency and a collaborative team culture.
• Contribute to strategic planning, cross-departmental delivery and reporting to the Board and advisory bodies.

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant tertiary qualification in optometry, health, education or a related discipline, together with postgraduate qualifications in clinical or higher education, or a research higher degree.
• 3–5 years' experience designing and delivering clinical or health education within a university or other higher education institute.
• Demonstrated experience developing education programmes end-to-end, including learning outcomes, assessments, competency standards, quality assurance and evaluation.
• Proven ability to translate research into clinical practice and practical, evidence-based resources.
• Completion of cultural safety education and demonstrated cultural humility when building and maintaining relationships with First Nations organisations and communities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven experience leading capable, autonomous teams through clear direction, coaching and constructive feedback.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, particularly with academics, universities and sector bodies.
• Willingness to present at conferences and host online webinars, with flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Desirable

• Background in optometry or eye health, or sound working knowledge of the clinical eye health environment.
• Experience within a peak body, membership organisation or not-for-profit.

Benefits

• Not-for-profit salary packaging that may increase take-home pay.
• Flexible working arrangements, including remote or office-based work.
• Agreed and appropriate professional development opportunities each year.
• Additional paid day off for your birthday.
• Extra paid leave between Christmas and New Year.
• Option to work on a public holiday and take another day off in lieu.
• Supportive culture focused on collaboration, innovation and mutual respect.

Application Process

Apply with an up-to-date resume and cover letter via the application link.

For a confidential discussion, contact Gabrielle Patterson at Patterson Recruitment on 0416 170 100.

Optometry Australia encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergent individuals and people from all backgrounds. Accommodations are available during the application and interview process upon request.

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