About the organisation

Science & Technology Australia (STA) is the peak body for Australia’s science and technology sectors and workforce. A highly influential voice in policymaking, it represents 135+ member organisations and a powerful network of 115,000 STEM experts and entrepreneurs across a broad span of the Australian economy.

Bringing together scientists, scientific professional societies, governments, industry and the broader community, STA’s mission is to advance education, health, social welfare, the environment and public debate by activating, leveraging and connecting the deep expertise of Australia’s science and technology sectors – through education, outreach and programs.

A persuasive advocate on research, industry, higher education, health, environment, defence, climate, water and agriculture policy, STA works to progress the impact of science and technology to help solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges, including saving and improving lives.

About the role

Reporting to, and working collaboratively with, STA’s Board, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the organisation’s effectiveness, and strategic, operational and financial performance, building on STA’s strong trajectory of growth and expansion in recent years.

A powerful advocate for the sector and STA members, the CEO – alongside the Board President – is the public face of STA, representing the sector’s interests to the Parliament, senior policymakers, the media, industry and the Australian public. This includes nurturing enduring relationships, protecting STA’s reputation as a trusted confidante to Government, and engaging actively with the STA membership to understand policy issues and opportunities.

Critical in this role will be ensuring the success of the range of STA’s flagship programs, and fostering the engagement, and investing in the development, of the organisation’s high-performing team.

About you

Visionary, yet pragmatic, you are a highly regarded leader with sophisticated communications, media, advocacy, government relations and entrepreneurial capabilities, which have been honed in peak bodies, industry associations, government environments or similarly relevant organisations.

Your track record in shaping public discussion, and formulating policy and effectively negotiating policy settings, are underpinned by your deep relationships and influence with Government on all sides, leaders in the Australian Public Service and journalists.

You are a hands-on, values-based and authentic leader, who champions diversity, equity and inclusion, fosters strong Indigenous partnerships, and inspires and builds team engagement.

A guardian of best-practice governance with demonstrated financial acumen, and the ability to identify key organisational drivers, you are experienced in change management, or leading through transitions, to enable growth

Ambitious for national success and how that fits into the global construct, you relish the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future for science and technology for the nation.

For more information, please contact David Pleydell at SHK on +61 3 8620 8020 or click 'Apply Now'.

Direct and third-party applications will be forwarded to SHK.