Be challenged and imagine with us
As Head of Strategy, Partnerships & Operations you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of some of Australia’s fastest‑growing and most complex regions through the work of the Institute for Regional Futures (IRF), a flagship institute of the University of Newcastle.
Working closely with the Executive Director, you will lead IRF’s strategic growth and operational maturity, supporting research that tackles regional transition from a human perspective – including jobs, liveability, social cohesion, service equity, and community trust – with a particular focus on regions such as the Upper Hunter and Central Coast.
You will lead a small, highly engaged team of 3 – 4 professionals and have the opportunity to grow its capability and scale to 8 – 10 as IRF expands.
In this role you will:
* Lead the strategic and financial growth of IRF, scaling revenue through competitive grants, commissioned research, commercial contracts, and long‑term partnerships.
* Provide oversight of IRF’s operations, workforce, budget, and research infrastructure, ensuring excellence in delivery, governance, and sustainability.
* Build IRF's distinctive analytical and data infrastructure including longitudinal surveys, spatial analysis, modelling and trial‑based evaluation capabilities that serve both research excellence and commercial clients.
* Represent IRF and the University at a senior level with government, industry, community, and academic stakeholders.
How will you inspire us?
You will have:
* Demonstrated senior leadership experience with accountability for significant budgets, complex operations, and the delivery of strategic growth objectives.
* A strong track record in securing external funding and managing research, consultancy, and commercial contracts with government, industry, and philanthropic partners.
* Proven ability to or demonstrated experience in commissioning and quality‑assuring research for policy/commercial use, with a strong understanding of how academic research is translated into clear, credible, and practical outputs.
* Experience designing or managing research trials, program evaluations, or evidence‑to‑policy translation initiatives.
* Exceptional influencing, communication, and relationship‑building capabilities, underpinned by analytical rigour, sound judgement, and a collaborative, outcomes‑focused leadership style.
What we offer
The remuneration for this position is Higher Education Worker Level 10+ 17% superannuation and is commensurate with skills and experience.
In addition to working for a university that is breaking boundaries, discovering new ways of thinking and cementing a place as a global leader, we offer a range of benefits to our employees to ensure you balance your commitments, stay healthy and work effectively.
These include:
* 17% super and salary packaging.
* Additional University Holiday days, generous personal, life, and parental leave, annual leave loading, and additional purchased leave scheme.
* Discounts on private health insurance, gym memberships, software, travel and more.
* A range of support and wellbeing programs.
We provide opportunities for all people regardless of their background and experience, and this philosophy is reflected across all that we do.
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.
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