* Newly created role
* Influence national energy transition
* Based in Armidale, with flexible work arrangements
The Company
Our client, the University of New England (UNE) is a research‑focused institution recognised for driving impact across regional Australia. The Research Division oversees research strategy, integrity, performance, and the translation of research into impactful products and services, working collaboratively with faculties and strategic portfolios to enhance outcomes across communities, industry and government.
UNE's Research Centres, Institutes and CRCs Business Unit transforms innovative ideas, research outputs, and intellectual property into commercially viable solutions, drawing on interdisciplinary expertise in research commercialisation, IP management and industry engagement.
The Role
The Director of Regional Energy Transitions is a senior strategic leadership position designed to leverage UNE's location within a major Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) to shape the region's future energy and economic landscape. This newly established role provides the opportunity to influence national energy transition outcomes while supporting UNE's vision for regional resilience, workforce development and research excellence.
The Director will strengthen UNE's position as a key knowledge generator for community, industry and government by driving national and international partnerships. Acting as UNE's strategic connector, the role will support innovation in teaching and research relevant to the renewable energy transition and facilitate knowledge exchange with partner universities and REZ stakeholders.
The position is responsible for convening renewable energy research partnerships, systems development initiatives, teaching collaborations and commercial opportunities. The Director will attract external expertise, investment and global insights into UNE's collaborative networks, and lead the creation of a unifying structure such as joint ventures or alliances to accelerate regional energy transition in partnership with universities and government.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
* Provide strategic leadership to develop alliances with industry, government and universities, coordinating joint funding applications and collaborative research supporting REZ development.
* Lead the development and implementation of governance frameworks for alliances and partnerships.
* Drive teaching and learning collaborations that support engagement, research translation and educational opportunities.
* Oversee financial and resource management across alliance operations, including commercial opportunity development and revenue streams.
* Coordinate project delivery across academic leads, stakeholders and partner organisations.
* Establish a strategic risk management framework for all major programs and initiatives within UNE's REZ activities.
* Bring international and national renewable energy transition expertise into UNE through visiting practitioners, mentoring programs and partnerships.
* Attract renewable energy governance bodies, developers, transmission companies, storage providers and related organisations to collaborate with UNE for regional development.
* Coordinate consortium engagement with REZ stakeholders, AEMO and policy makers to inform decisions on grid integration, storage, and energy planning.
* Secure external investment in UNE's renewable energy research capability and enable technology transfer initiatives.
* Create integrated research‑to‑practice pipelines linking market intelligence, REZ development needs, research priorities and commercialisation pathways.
About You
You are a strategic, collaborative and influential leader with deep experience in renewable energy transition, regional development and/or major innovation initiatives. You bring credibility across academia, government and industry, and you thrive in multi‑stakeholder environments where partnership, innovation and impact are central. You model UNE's Values, being bold, kind, accountable and connected and demonstrate personal responsibility, humility and an ability to work constructively across diverse teams and partners.
You excel in complex, ambiguous and opportunity‑rich environments, naturally identifying intersections between people, ideas and emerging possibilities. With strong communication skills and the confidence to engage ministers, public servants, community groups and technical experts, you know how to translate complexity into clear, actionable pathways.
Required Skills and Proficiencies
* 5–7 years' senior-level experience in renewable energy, regional planning or transition (including government), or a PhD in a relevant field such as engineering, environmental science, energy systems or regional planning.
* Track record in attracting external investment and delivering commercial projects, with strong business acumen.
* Proven ability to build multi‑stakeholder partnerships across academia, government and industry, including establishing alliances and securing investment.
* Experience leading innovation programs and interdisciplinary teams.
* Expertise in renewable energy transitions, REZ development, community and industry transition and energy policy.
* Highly developed stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships across government, industry, community and academia.
* Experience using Artificial Intelligence in the management of projects and initiatives.
* Ability to obtain a recent National Police Check.
The Rewards and Culture
UNE fosters a values‑driven, collaborative culture that emphasises innovation, community impact and the growth of its people. The leadership team is approachable and open, encouraging feedback and teamwork, particularly in a resource‑conscious environment where people's passion and collaboration drive outcomes. Overall, it's a relationship‑focused, supportive culture where people feel heard, valued and empowered to make an impact.
Benefits working with UNE include:
* Up to 17% employer superannuation
* Salary packaging options available
* 4weeks annual leave plus paid gratuitous leave over the UNE Annual shutdown period between Christmas and New Year, per annum
* Flexible or hybrid work arrangements available
* Relocation assistance provided
How to Apply
Apply now by submitting your current CV and cover letter
(in Word format)
via our online application process.
For a confidential discussion or to review the information pack and full PD please contact Claire Black on or via
To be eligible to apply, you must have unrestricted rights to work in Australia.
Talent Nation encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all cultures, abilities, sex, and genders.
Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment at any stage during the recruitment process, please contact us so we can provide adjustments for you.