Foundation Director, Australian Defence Technologies Academy

Full Time, Fixed Term position (3 Years) Adelaide University is seeking an exceptional Foundation Director to establish and lead the Australian Defence Technologies Academy - a purpose-built, secure facility dedicated to Innovation-led Learning and Research in support of Australia's defence, industry, and government sectors.
Through Innovation-led Learning and Research (ILLR), the Academy will provide research and training and education capability and pathways for advanced technologies and innovation critical to the defence industry, but also applicable across other sectors, including space and cyber.
The purpose of the Academy is to establish a defence technologies research training and skills-based facility within Lot Fourteen to create a global hub of defence related activity through: Purpose-built secure facilities required to support defence and defence-related research; Establishing a lifelong learning academy operating at the cutting edge of technology research to enable research training, continuous learning, reskilling, and upskilling for an industry-ready, future-focused workforce; Leveraging collaboration across industry, VET, academic partners and with other research and innovation initiatives such as digital skills and space technologies to drive economic and job-creation outcomes; and Fostering a strategic connected global approach and culture for research and innovation, excellence and asymmetric advantage.
Reporting to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and working closely with numerous internal and external stakeholders, this role will be responsible for building a collaborative ecosystem across defence, industry, government, and academic sectors – both nationally and internationally.
The Foundation Director will be required to establish research and innovation capacity to enable research-linked and industry-enriched education, training and talent development that directly support Australia's strategic defence priorities and workforce capability needs as a part of a broader ecosystem of established approaches in Universities and the Vocational Sector.
The Academy aims to be additive, not duplicative.
This role will play a key part in driving increased workforce participation in critical defence and national security sectors, supporting the state's skills requirements, sovereign capability development, and long-term competitive success.
This role demands a visionary leader to develop and implement a strategic plan for the Australian Defence Technologies Academy, fostering cutting-edge research and education in close collaboration with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
The successful candidate will build a high-performing research culture while driving state-based and local strategies that advance defence innovation, industry engagement, and sovereign capability development.
This is a unique opportunity for a proven leader to join a dynamic and vibrant team as we launch Australia's new university for the future, Adelaide University, in January 2026.
Already ranked number 82 in the world in the 2025 QS World Rankings of Universities, Adelaide University aims to deliver nation-leading curriculum and student experience, greater access to education, and world-class research and translation.
To be successful you will need: Current PV Security Clearance from the Australian Government and demonstrated ability to operate within secure environments Extensive experience with the Commonwealth Department of Defence, including a deep understanding of its strategic priorities, operational frameworks, and stakeholder engagement protocols.
Formal tertiary qualifications in Engineering or advanced technology fields, supporting leadership in research and education aligned with national defence priorities Proven experience working with or within the defence industry, particularly in roles involving advanced technologies, innovation, and collaborative research or training initiatives.
Attainment in the field of Advanced Technology commensurate with award of the title of Professor.
The path to Adelaide University We are on an exciting path to Adelaide University as we prepare to open our doors in January 2026.
Adelaide University will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, and we are dedicated to creating an accessible and future-focused educational powerhouse that fosters economic and social wellbeing through ground-breaking research and innovative teaching.
You can learn more about Adelaide University HERE and more information will be provided throughout the recruitment process.
Enjoy an outstanding career environment We offer a uniquely rewarding workplace.
The size, breadth and quality of our education and research programs - including significant industry, government and community collaboration - offers you vast scope and opportunity for a long, fulfilling career.
It also enables us to attract high-calibre people in all facets of our operations, ensuring you will be surrounded by talented colleagues, many world-leading.
Our work's cutting-edge nature - not just in your own area, but across virtually the full spectrum of human endeavour - provides a constant source of inspiration.
Our culture is one that welcomes all and embraces diversity consistent with our Staff Values and Behaviour Framework and our Values of integrity, respect, collegiality, excellence and discovery.
We firmly believe that our people are our most valuable asset, so we work to grow and diversify the skills, knowledge and capability of all our staff.
We embrace flexibility as a key principle to allow our people to manage the changing demands of work, personal and family life.
In addition, we offer a wide range of attractive staff benefits.
These include: salary packaging; flexible work arrangements subject to organisational needs; high-quality professional development programs and activities; and an on-campus health clinic, gym and other fitness facilities.
Learn more at: ************.
au/jobs If you have the talent, we'll give you the opportunity.
Together, let's make history.
Click on the 'Apply Now' button to be taken through to the online application form.
Please ensure you submit a cover letter, resume, and upload a document that includes your responses to all the selection criteria for the position as contained in the position description or selection criteria document.
Applications close 11:55pm, Thursday 18th of September 2025.
The University reserves the right to close this advertisement before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
For further information For a confidential discussion regarding this position, contact: Kate Graney Manager, Talent Acquisition *************************** We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion.
Female applicants, people with a disability and/or and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who meet the requirements of this position are strongly encouraged to apply.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application.
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