• Full time, 5 year position within the Sydney Net Zero Institute
• Provide strategic and operational leadership to Sydney NZI
• Rare and pivotal role in a newly established centre addressing some of the biggest global issues
• Offering a competitive SPSB remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Chief Operating Officer for the Sydney Net Zero Institute is a senior executive position responsible for the translation of the strategy into effective operational plans. The Chief Operating Officer will manage a high-performing, professional, dynamic team supporting the Communications, HR, Finance, Health and Safety, Governance and other operational and administration support functions in line with the University's policies and compliance framework.

This involves governing, prioritising and implementing multiple projects in a timely manner, managing a range of strategic and operational activities including managing financial and other reporting, planning, board support, KPI tracking, functional service delivery, projects, process management, business improvement, resources management, system implementation and administration.

The position will ensure effective collaboration and alignment of teams and resources to meet the objectives of the Sydney Net Zero Institute.

The Chief Operating Officer will be directly involved in a variety of activities that are required to support the development of the Sydney Net Zero Institute during the establishment phase, and it is anticipated the position will continue to evolve over time.

The Sydney Net Zero Institute (NZI) is a new Multi-Disciplinary Initiative (MDI) within the University of Sydney Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research portfolio, bringing together over 150 of the world’s top researchers across engineering, science, urban planning, renewables, policy, carbon accounting, and behavioural science.

The NZI aims to help government, industry and communities swiftly manufacture, deploy and adopt cost-effective, low emissions technologies at scale. As the Chief Operating Officer, you will play an important role in developing operational plans to ensure strategic objectives are achieved for the Sydney Net Zero Institute (NZI) Home - Net Zero Institute (sydney.edu.au).

The Sydney Net Zero Institute is one of six University-wide multidisciplinary initiatives (MDIs) within which the University concentrates intellectual resources from many disciplines to address the grand challenges facing society and to educate the next generation.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• work with the Academic Director and Deputy Director to coordinate the development and implementation of the strategic agenda
• guide, develop, and manage a team, including managing performance and development, and for the delegation of work activity
• develop and manage the overall implementation of strategy, business plans and policies for the Institute, ensuring effective conversion of strategy into operating processes and activities, and the efficient alignment and utilisation of resources to meet key priorities and objectives
• provide overall general management of operating activities for Sydney NZI including effective planning, governance, compliance and control, financial modelling, business case development and decision making to ensure financial and operational objectives and goals are reached
• establish and foster executive level rapport with key stakeholders across the University, international academic partners, and external governmental organisations to facilitate strategic dialogue and influence, driving engagement and impact around major strategies and initiatives for the Institute
• provide input into talent management and succession planning for professional staff across the Institute and implement workforce planning, recruitment, and resourcing to ensure the future leadership needs are achieved

About you

• tertiary qualifications with extensive relevant experience in management and business administration, and/or equivalent combination of relevant training and experience
• excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with sound negotiating and conflict resolution skills and a demonstrated level of tact and discretion in dealing with a variety of matters
• excellent time and workload management skills with demonstrated ability to prioritise effectively, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and achieve required outcomes and effectively deliver results
• ability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking initiative and exercising sound judgement in resolving matters that may arise as part of normal daily work
• strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking skills together with effective leadership and people management skills
• willingness to collaborate with professional staff, researchers and academics to drive best practice outcomes and achieve strategic initiatives for Sydney NZI
• demonstrated experience in the supervision, training, mentoring and performance management of staff; and experience managing and resolving a diverse range of HR issues
• financial management experience and literacy, experience managing budgets and controlling income and expenditure for a project. 

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to Apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply Now button at the bottom of the page.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Nicole Cunningham on 0449973799 or by email: [email protected], using the subject line: Chief Operating Officer - Sydney Net Zero Institute enquiry via EthicalJobs.

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