Executive Director, Research Operations and Infrastructure

Position Details

• Fixed Term for 5 Years | Full-Time
• Senior Manager
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country
• View Position Description

About the Position

Flinders University is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Executive Director, Research Operations and Infrastructure. This senior position provides strategic direction across the University's research operations, facilities, and infrastructure, ensuring alignment with Flinders' vision for research excellence and impact.

The Executive Director will lead transformational projects that strengthen business processes and systems within the DVCR Portfolio, while guiding strategic investment in research infrastructure, equipment, and personnel support. Working closely with Colleges, Research Institutes, and professional portfolios such as Property, Facilities and Development, the role will develop sustainable strategies for the acquisition, management, and renewal of critical research assets.

As a key member of the DVCR Portfolio Leadership Team, the Executive Director will enable research excellence, foster strategic partnerships, and position Flinders University as a research partner of choice for government, industry, and community stakeholders.

About You

You are a visionary and highly credible leader with the ability to translate complex strategic priorities into effective operations. With experience in university research environments, you will bring proven expertise in managing research infrastructure and governance, driving change, and strengthening cross-sector partnerships. Collaborative and outcomes-focused, you influence at the highest levels, foster trust across stakeholders, and apply strong business and financial acumen to deliver sustainable, future-ready research operations.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A track record of strategic and operational leadership, including oversight of infrastructure and facilities.
• Proven capability in developing and implementing governance and business systems that optimise research performance.
• Advanced skills in strategic planning, financial oversight, and workforce management.

Life at Flinders

We're transforming and investing in people and facilities to create contemporary, stimulating, and satisfying learning and work environments that reflect our core values of excellence, innovation, courage, and integrity. Flinders is refocusing its strategic priorities with the aim of elevating its performance to be a top ten Australian university, and amongst the top 1% in the world.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them. So, why work at Flinders?

• Ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide.
• Ninety per cent of Flinders research has been ranked at 'world standard or above' by Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
• 17% Superannuation, salary packaging options and flexible working arrangements.
• Our commitment to wellbeing through our initiative
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards.
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment

Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan
• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• A current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will be required by Flinders University before the successful applicant can commence in this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.

How to Apply and Information

• To apply online, please visit the website via the job portal: JR Executive Director, Research Operations and Infrastructure
• You are required to submit Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the seven Key Position Capabilities of the position description.
• For more information regarding this position, please contact Professor Raymond Chan.

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACST) on Sunday, 28 September

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.