Chief Executive Officer – University of Western Australia – Perth

Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research)

WA Biodiversity Science Institute

    Leadership Opportunity
    3 year appointment with prospect for continuation
    Attractive remuneration package
    REF: 496119

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked amongst the top Australian universities and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight research-intensive universities ranked among the top 100 universities in the world.

The WA Biodiversity Science Institute (WABSI) is a collaborative, unincorporated joint venture, representing The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, BHP Billiton Iron Ore, Chamber of Minerals and Energy, CSIRO, Curtin University, Department of Parks and Wildlife, Department of Mines and Petroleum, Environmental Protection Agency, Murdoch University, University of WA and the WA Museum.

WABSI is seeking to appoint a CEO who will lead the strategic development of WABSI business towards building new research program opportunities, and strengthening the collaboration between partners and other WABSI stakeholders.

As the Chief Executive Officer of WABSI you will manage a research portfolio relevant to the management of the State’s biodiversity resources and take a lead role in shaping the strategic priorities for acquiring and managing terrestrial biodiversity knowledge on a national and international scale.

You will foster active collaboration across sectors and between researchers ensuring information is available in a form that is relevant and accessible to government policy makers, industry, land managers and other stakeholders.

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

A tertiary qualification in a relevant area or equivalent competency. A PhD is desirable.
Substantial and extensive management experience in high-level strategic and innovative development of Science Programs through partnerships and collaborations with private and public institutions, towards significant research funding outcomes
Abilities to successfully manage high-level relationships
Extensive experience in working with a Board and providing leadership in strategic Board discussions towards new partnerships, new program development and ways of operating
Excellent understanding of principles of corporate governance
Highly developed leadership skills and experience applied to the operation of a small management group
Excellent high level consultation and negotiation skills
High-level budget, contract management, financial planning and business development skills
Experience in working directly with Ministers of Government, CEO’s of Government and leaders of Universities, Industry and Business in program implementation and development
Experience in conducting research and/or the management of research projects and programmes

An attractive remuneration package will be negotiated including:

Professional salary
Employer contribution to superannuation of 17%
Recreation leave of 20 working days per annum
Long service leave
Relocation assistance, including airfares, will be offered for the appointee and dependants

Applications are invited for this challenging and exciting opportunity within one of the University’s newest collaborative ventures.

Contact: Professor Peter Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) on +61 8 6488 2698 or email peter.davies@uwa.edu.au

Closing Date: Friday 29 January 2016

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Application Details

Applications must be submitted online. Full details of the position’s responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description and applicants should clearly demonstrate they meet the selection criteria.