Be the head and face of Questacon, inspiring Australia by building public knowledge and understanding of science
Questacon is Australia’s National Science & Technology Centre. Questacon harnesses imagination and wonderment to make science fun and relevant for all. Our vision is for a better future for all Australians through engagement with science, technology and innovation. As Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre, we play a key role in helping to build a foundation of science knowledge and understanding in the Australian community.
We operate as a specialist division of the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. As a critical asset of the Australian Government, we provide programs and activities for individuals, schools and communities focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to support economic development and science literacy.
We are looking for Questacon’s next Director, this is an exciting opportunity to lead Australia’s National Science and Technology Centre.
As Director, you will set our strategic direction within the Government’s policies and priorities. You will provide strong leadership for staff, enthusiasm and commitment to the work of Questacon and encouragement to staff to create new opportunities, ideas and approaches. As the primary advocate and promoter of Questacon, you will be our public face and prominent spokesperson on major issues and programs and will take a leading role in establishing corporate sponsors and partnerships.
To be a strong contender for this opportunity, you will have a track record:
- as an outstanding leader with a strong record of achievement within a cultural, science and/or communications sector
- building sustainable relationships across business, government and the community at a national and international level, and
- demonstrating the ability to motivate, encourage and enthuse a high-performing, creative and passionate staff to develop and deliver new opportunities, ideas and approaches.
The Ngunnawal people are the traditional owners of the land on which our Canberra facilities stand. Respectful relationships with the Ngunnawal people provide a platform for Questacon’s national role delivering program offerings to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. Therefore, our ideal candidate is experienced leading diverse teams and is willing to work on building their own and others’ competency in understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and their intersection with the work of Questacon.
We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We strongly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and background leads to a better environment for our employees and better outcomes for Australia.
This position is an APS appointment at the SES Band 2 level based in Canberra, ACT. An executive package reflecting the importance of the position will be negotiated with the successful candidate. To be eligible to apply, you must be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance, therefore Australian citizenship is a prerequisite.
Watermark Search International is managing this recruitment process. To obtain the candidate information pack and to apply, please email [email protected] quoting Ref No. 69643. If, after reading the documentation, you require further information please contact Claire Crawford or Daniel Nicholls on 02 9233 1200.
