Academic Director

Could the Australian Research Council be right for you?

Academic Directors are part of the ARC leadership team and bring their inter-disciplinary, sector and research administration and management expertise to provide high-level strategic advice that supports the delivery of funding programs, policy directions and long-term initiatives. Academic Directors work collaboratively within the ARC to drive agendas set by the ARC Board and CEO.

Their role is to ensure strong relationships between the ARC, its university partners and the broader research sector. They facilitate collaboration and understanding between the research community and the ARC as a government agency. The role provides an opportunity to gain insights into the operations of government, the full capabilities of the ARC and its contributions to the research sector.

Working closely with the ARC's public service expertise, Academic Directors play a role in ensuring ARC approaches to research funding, evaluation and other policy matters are aligned with the realities of the research environment. They provide high-quality advice, build organisational capability and contribute academic expertise to program delivery.

The opportunities

The ARC is seeking to recruit up to three Academic Directors. Academic Directors report to the Chief Executive Officer, ARC. Their main responsibilities include:

Projects and Priorities

• Lead and/or contribute to projects related to agency priorities, at the request of the CEO.
• Provide advice to the senior leadership team and broader agency on research matters, sharing insights into emerging cross-disciplinary developments, and innovative approaches to research and research administration and management.
• Act as a thematic advisor to a branch where required, including:

o Providing sector-specific advice on relevant policy, programs, ICT (especially research management systems), communication or strategic topics/projects.

o Participating in relevant governance discussions to inform prioritisation and investment.

o Attending the Strategic Leadership Group as required, to contribute to strategic discussions.

Stakeholder Engagement

• At the request of the CEO, and where relevant, represent the ARC in consultations, outreach and formal events, ensuring communications are aligned with ARC priorities and policy positions.
• Develop ARC's organisational capability in understanding and engaging with the research sector, including facilitating opportunities for ARC staff to undertake outreach and build networks within the research sector.

Program Delivery

• Work closely with ARC staff on ARC grant programs, including:

o Ensuring appropriate academic expertise underpins ARC peer review. This includes supporting recruitment and operation of the College of Experts, providing recommendations for SAC membership, and assignment of assessors as required.

o Providing input on complex technical pre- and post-award matters, including eligibility, assessment and reporting.

o Collaborating to identify and implement process improvements that align with operational priorities and goals and uphold requirements of the ARC Act and Commonwealth Grant Rules and Principles.

Other duties

• The CEO may request Academic Directors undertake other duties aligned to their role and expertise as required.

Our ideal candidate

The Academic Directors role sits within the Australian Public Service and candidate must exhibit impartiality, be committed, accountable, respectful, and ethical. Our ideal candidate will demonstrate well-developed leadership and management skills, as well as an ability to work as a team and deliver on the ARC Board and CEO's priorities.

• A candidate must be able to demonstrate a distinguished history of accomplishment at a national and/or international level, and research leadership and management in their field.
• Personal drive and integrity are essential, as is the ability to lead, contribute strategically, achieve outcomes, cultivate effective working relationships, and communicate with influence.
• Suitable backgrounds include universities, private sector research leadership, and public sector research leadership.
• To be a strong contender for this role you will:
• Bring academic and strategic research management expertise, and be a
• Respected researcher in either the Humanities, Arts, or Social and Behavioural Sciences; or Physical Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or Computing domains who has experience in cross disciplinary research, or
• Experienced strategic research leader who has a deep understanding of research management.
• Articulate a positive vision and a shared sense of purpose, empowering people to succeed and have a positive impact.
• Contribute to constructive problem solving and respond to change with willingness, agility and resilience.
• Demonstrate collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills that build relationships based on understanding, respect, and trust across different expertise, skills, perspectives and backgrounds.
• Communicate with influence and listen, understand and adapt to changing priorities and directions, fostering trust and collaboration within the ARC and between the ARC and its partners.
• Act with integrity and in a way that supports the APS Values and a culture of honesty, respect and accountability, upholding the good reputation of the ARC.

Employment Options

• We are looking to engage an Academic Director in a manner which provides benefit to them as an individual in their career path and ensures the most professional and innovative outcomes for our stakeholders.
• A flexible contract will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
• The successful candidate may negotiate specific terms including full time, part time, secondment duration from current position, and continuing specific periods of non-ARC research leave outside their Academic Director role.
• Academic Director opportunities will generally be offered as a secondment opportunity from an existing employer. On a case-by-case basis, the ARC may consider a non-ongoing engagement in the Australian Public Service (APS) in accordance with the provisions under the Public Service Act 1999.

Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds including but not limited to; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, people with a disability, and people from a culturally and linguistically diverse background.

The ARC expects all staff to understand workplace diversity, workplace participation, a safe working environment and access and equity principles, and to promote these principles in the development and implementation of policies and programs.

Remuneration package

The salary payable upon commencement will be negotiable and will consider the type of employment arrangement along with personal capabilities, such as experience and qualifications.

What we offer

In addition to exciting and fulfilling work at the heart of research and the government, the ARC offers the opportunity to work with strong, smart, visionary, and experienced leaders, who are among the most respected in their fields.

The ARC is an equal opportunity employer, and all our recruitment decisions are made based on merit. We are committed to building a workforce that is flexible, agile, and responsive to foster a positive workplace where people treat each other and the community with respect.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Maternity leave
• Salary packaging

Work Authorisation:

• Australia (Required)

Work Location: In person