(AS806) Australian Science Innovations – Executive Director

❖ Canberra-based national leadership role in scientific education

Australian Science Innovations (ASI) is Australia’s premier provider of cutting edge, challenging science programs, competitions and residential camps for high-achieving secondary school students, including the Australian Science Olympiads.

Working with the Board, your brief to fulfil ASI’s Vision and Mission is to lead and manage the execution of ASI’s strategy and operational imperatives, in accordance with its Business Plan.

Committed to the promotion of excellence in STEM, you are experienced in dealing with Government, scientists, educators, the media and a range of corporate stakeholders. In addition to financial and project management skills, you have a proven capacity to lead and motivate staff, plus strong influencing abilities to facilitate income generation from novel sources. Ideally, your experience will include working at a senior level in the NFP sector.

Position Description

The Executive Director is accountable to the Board for management of ASI, its staff and finances, and is responsible for execution of the strategic direction and operation of the organisation in accordance with the ASI Business Plan.

Responsibilities:

Governance:
Duties

• Complies with all ASI policies
• Works with the Board to develop processes, procedures and controls for effective governance of ASI
• Meets all documented reporting requirements, including preparation of Board Papers
• Attends meetings of the Board by invitation
• Provides advice to the Board on matters relating to governance and the strategic direction of ASI

Management
Duties:

• Plans and manages workflow to achieve output at required quality and within parameters of time and budget
• Develops, implements and reports on progress to the Board on ASI’s:
  • – Business Plan
  • – Risk Management Plan
• Is accountable for the management of ASI staff and Program personnel
• Develops and monitors strategies for continuous improvement

Financial management
Duties:

• Manages the accounting and financial functions of ASI
• Prepares an annual budget for Board approval and monitors financial performance against it
• Prepares financial reports for the Board and auditors as required

Risk Management
Duties:

• Reasonably identifies and assesses all technical, commercial, financial and reputational risks
• Puts specific strategy and action plans in place to minimise risks

Human resources
Duties:

• Recruits, trains/inducts and deploys staff
• Completes Role Agreements for all staff and ensures currency of Position Descriptions
• Completes annual Performance Appraisals and Career Development Plans for all permanent staff

Revenue raising
Duties:

• Develops funding proposals, co-ordinates and delivers funding pitches
• Identifies and pursues novel income streams
• Tracks and manages funding deliverables
  

External relations
Duties:

• Represents the ASI to external organisations and stakeholders in a variety of forums
• Manages relationships with current and potential partners and supporters
• Manages relationships of the Alumni community and develops support

Marketing and Public relations
Duties:

• Develops and implements ASI’s marketing strategy (including a media strategy and associated protocols)
• As the first point of contact for the media, provides representation and comment according to Board policy/position
• Oversees promotion of ASI brand, including via traditional media and social media

Safety, Health and Environment
Duties:

• Implements ASI’s Emergency Response Plan
• Implements Occupational Health, Safety and Environment Policy and specified targets
  

Required Competencies

• experience and skills in general management,
• a proven track record in delivery of complex projects to a range of government and corporate stakeholders,
• the ability to liaise effectively with scientists, educationalists and the media,
• demonstrated experience in financial management,
• excellent written and verbal communication skills,
• the ability to lead effectively a diverse and enthusiastic team,
• the capacity to raise funds from government and external organisations,
• a strong commitment to enhancing Australia’s science capability, and
• the ability to develop and carry out a comprehensive strategy, including organising events, which raise the profile of the organisation.