Executive Director, Institute for Regional Futures

• Senior executive leadership opportunity
• Full time, 5 year fixed term
• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

The University of Newcastle has a proud and longstanding history of achieving high impact research of and for our regions. As Executive Director, you will play a strategic role in shaping the future of the Institute and its research, ensuring the development of cross disciplinary research programs alongside other Institutes and across the humanities and social sciences. This will deliver large-scale regional impact through targeted research and policy-influencing initiatives for regions locally, nationally, and internationally.

You will lead the Institute’s strategic growth, focusing on expanding research funding and delivering developing high impact outcomes that align with the University and external partner priorities. This visionary leader will drive innovation and build strong relationships with industry, government, community, and academic partners. This role will deliver the next phase of the Institute’s operations and development as a sustainable and preeminent interdisciplinary research hub delivering social and economic impact in the Hunter and beyond.

About you

You should have an outstanding track record of excellence in providing strategic leadership in collaboration with external partners to deliver the research goals and objectives of a University or similar.

You will be an accomplished leader with:

• Relevant postgraduate qualifications with established excellence in a professional field; or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through a combination of education, training and/or experience.

• Proven ability to build and maintain productive relationships with industry, government, community and academic partners including identification of opportunities aligned with trends, partner and market needs.

• Demonstrated ability to positively motivate and lead staff, displaying openness and resilience in responding to change in strategic direction and vision.

• A track record of translating external partner needs into viable research initiatives with measurable impact and outcomes. 

• Proven leadership capabilities, including the ability to lead high-performing teams, manage budget and financial operations to ensure sustainability and implement innovative research strategies that will deliver organisational growth.

This is your opportunity to join a world-leading university of our regions and for our regions.

Sponsorship / Work Rights for Australia

Visa sponsorship is available for this appointment.

Term and remuneration

The successful candidate will be offered a 5-year fixed term position on a full-time basis with a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

About the university 

For over 60 years, the University of Newcastle has built a reputation for excellence in education and research, ranking in the top 1% of global universities and among the top 40 for impact. With a strong focus on equity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing socially-oriented leaders, our campuses in Newcastle, the Central Coast, Sydney and Singapore offer a dynamic environment for academic growth. 

The University of Newcastle is proud to be one of the first two Universities in Australia to achieve SAGE Athena Swan Silver Accreditation for gender equity, diversity, and inclusion (GEDI). 

For more information click here – Our Uni. 

The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.   

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. 

How to apply

You will find a copy of the Candidate Information Brochure for this role below, which includes the Position Description.

The University of Newcastle will be supported in a global search for this appointment by the executive search firm Kennedy Austin Executive Search Consultants.

For confidential enquiries, please contact Larry Little:

T: 0419 208 113

E: larry@kennedyaustin.com 

Please email your application to Larry Little at Kennedy Austin Executive Search Consultants at larry@kennedyaustin.com

CLOSING DATE

Applications close on Monday, 11 August 2025 at 5.00pm AEST.

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