The Australian Government is seeking an outstanding Chair to lead the Council of the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is Australia's tropical marine science agency and a world leader in tropical marine science, research and innovation.
AIMS' vision is thriving oceans through trusted science and innovation.
AIMS is a corporate Commonwealth entity established under the Australian Institute of Marine Science Act 1972 and operates under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. The AIMS Council is the Accountable Authority for AIMS and is responsible for leading, governing and setting the strategic direction of the Institute, as well as overseeing its management and performance.
The Chair provides independent leadership and governance oversight to ensure the Council operates effectively and discharges its statutory responsibilities. The Chair will lead the Council in maintaining high standards of governance, accountability and strategic oversight, while supporting effective relationships with the Chief Executive Officer, the responsible Minister, the Department and key stakeholders.
This is a significant national leadership role requiring a Chair who can provide strategic stewardship, sound judgement and constructive governance leadership in a complex public sector, scientific and stakeholder environment.
The successful candidate will bring substantial senior governance, council or board leadership experience, together with a strong understanding of the responsibilities of directors and accountable authorities in a Commonwealth corporate entity. They will have the ability to engage credibly and constructively with Ministers, government officials, research partners, industry, First Nations stakeholders, local communities and the broader science community.
Candidates will demonstrate:
* proven senior governance and council or board leadership experience;
* strong strategic leadership and organisational oversight capability;
* experience leading or governing large, complex public, statutory or comparable organisations;
* a strong understanding of Commonwealth governance, accountability, risk, financial stewardship and performance obligations;
* the capacity to support, advise and evaluate a Chief Executive Officer while respecting management accountability;
* sound judgement, integrity and the ability to lead constructive Council dialogue and collective decision-making;
* extensive high-level government engagement and public policy leadership;
* highly developed communication, representation and advocacy skills;
* the ability to represent AIMS credibly with Ministers, departments, senior stakeholders and the broader science community; and
* an appreciation of science, research, innovation and the role of evidence in public policy and environmental stewardship.
Experience engaging with industry, Defence-related stakeholders, commercialisation, philanthropy, business growth, applied research, technology, data, digital, IT or cyber environments would be well regarded.
Before applying, please obtain a Candidate Information pack by emailing
quoting Ref. No. 1195 in the subject heading.
Applications close on Sunday 28 June 2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr