Science & Learning Program Managers, Executive

**Job no**: 511773

**Employment type**: Non-Ongoing - Specified Task, Ongoing

**Location**: Canberra

**Categories**: Programme Management, Executive Level 1, Project Management

**About Questacon**:
Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre is a division of the Australian Government Department of Industry Science and Resources. Our Vision is “a better future for all Australians through engagement with science, technology and innovation.” We deliver on that vision through our Mission “to excite and motivate people through inspirational learning experiences”. Science communication is at the heart of what we do. We work with partners and supporters to deliver inspirational learning experiences for young Australians, their teachers, families and communities.

**About the branch**:
Questacon’s Science and Learning branch is responsible for the quality and creative direction, national strategic engagement and impact of Questacon’s Science and Learning activities. The branch delivers a wide range of Questacon’s successful exhibitions and experiences including the _Questacon Science Circus_ and _Engineering is Elementary programs, Spectacular Science Shows _and other facilitated experiences at the Questacon Centre.

The Science and Learning branch connects STEM opportunities to communities across Australia including through place-based sustainable collaboration. The branch interacts with a wide network of stakeholders from the science, academic, cultural, business, government, industry and community sectors to deliver impactful science learning and engagement outcomes throughout Australia. and ensure all Australians can access Questacon - wherever they are.

**The opportunity**

There are multiple opportunities available within the Science and Learning branch of Questacon, with positions available in the Education Programs, National Touring Programs and Learning Experiences teams.

Questacon’s Education Programs Team works with teachers and other educational stakeholders to deliver meaningful, impactful professional learning and inspiring education experiences for students. In addition, the team works to develop and sustain communities of practice across the country to support educators and build connections with STEM professionals, to ensure young Australians have the skills needed to enter the STEM workforce.

The Questacon National Touring Programs Team delivers national programs in STEM engagement to regional and remote areas across Australia. Programs include in-person and virtual science activities for both primary and secondary students, travelling Pop-up Science Centres for regional communities and professional learning workshops, which highlight the benefits of informal learning in classrooms and community settings.

Questacon’s Learning Experiences Team is based at the Questacon Centre, operating 7-days a week. The team develops and delivers a range of engaging educational experiences:

- Facilitated inquiry-based learning experiences in QLab
- Open inquiry activities in The Shed
- Spectacular Science Shows
- Early Learning programs such as Science Time and Science Sprouts
- Public engagement through events within, around and external to Questacon
- A deep understanding of, and proven experience in achieving results in the competitive cultural and leisure tourism environment and/or the STEM education sector.
- Strong strategic direction and people management skills with high level capacity to inspire, motivate and lead staff.
- Highly developed organisational, planning and program management skills with the ability to demonstrate initiative, flexibility and resilience in a changing and fast-paced workplace environment.
- Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong people management skills and a proven track record in building diverse team capability in an inclusive environment
- High level oral and written communication

**What you will do**:
Science and Learning Program Managers are responsible for:

- Managing teams to deliver and maintain Questacon’s reputation as one of the leading informal STEM education organisations in Australia.
- Developing new program opportunities to increase Questacon’s audience and impact.
- Leading teams in recruitment, training and development ensuring Questacon remains an employer of choice, attracts the best talent and builds staff capability to a high standard, including in the development of science engagement skills for frontline staff.
- Confidently managing performance and building performance management capability in their team.
- Developing and presenting reporting material to senior executive staff as well as partners or potential partners.
- Working collaboratively with other internal teams, such as Retail, Tourism and Partnerships, to drive and grow business opportunities and initiatives.
- Develop and maintain external