Company Description

We are delighted to introduce you to Western Sydney University, a global university in the heart of one of Australia’s most dynamic and important regions. Our new Director, Institute Culture and Society (ICS) will join this anchor institution as we embark on an exciting new phase of amplifying our research impact, building our partnerships, growing our global footprint, reinvigorating our teaching, and establishing one of the country’s most distinct centres of Indigenous culture, research and education.

Western Sydney University is more than a university; it is part of the community. The University’s values of boldness, excellence, integrity, fairness, and trust reflect those of Western Sydney through its diversity, youthfulness, and aspiration.

At Western, we are driven to ensure impactful research that will match our teaching excellence, drive advancements for the region, nation, and global communities as well as promote equity and sustainability. Through our research we seek to attract partnerships and investment, and support the development of new industries, skills and capabilities. Our mission, outlined in our WESTERN 2030 strategic plan, is to deliver student success, impactful research and stronger communities.

Job Description

Lead a globally connected research institute advancing culture, technology and society.

• Senior Staff Executive Level, full time 5 year fixed term with potential for an underlying continuing academic appointment
• Parramatta South campus with flexible working arrangements
• Competitive Senior level salary plus 17 percent Super and Leave Loading

The Opportunity

The Institute for Culture and Society (ICS) is a leading interdisciplinary research institute with a 20 year legacy exploring culture, society, technology and environment. As Director, you will steward this legacy while shaping the next phase of ICS’s strategic direction. You will continue building the Institute’s work across humanities and social sciences, strengthening collaboration with STEM and health, and fostering partnerships across the University and beyond.

ICS is also deeply connected to Western’s transnational education hubs in Vietnam, Indonesia and India, and maintains active research partnerships across Southeast Asia, Latin America, Europe and Oceania. The Director will play a key role in developing the Institute’s global reputation, growing its standing in international rankings and strengthening its network of partnerships.

You will lead the next cycle of strategic planning in a resource constrained environment, setting the agenda for ICS and engaging with industry, government, community partners and philanthropy. This includes actively shaping and responding to the opportunities emerging across Greater Western Sydney, one of Australia’s most dynamic and diverse regions. Working closely with the ICS Operations Committee and senior colleagues, you will ensure the Institute maintains research excellence, financial sustainability and a thriving interdisciplinary culture.

What Success Looks Like

• Delivering a clear strategic agenda that strengthens ICS’s research impact, reputation and partnerships
• Building interdisciplinary research programs spanning humanities and social sciences, and beyond including health and STEM
• Securing competitive and industry linked research funding that enables sustainable research growth
• Cultivating a collaborative and high performing research culture with strong mentoring across career stages
• Ensuring effective governance, communication and resource management across the Institute

Qualifications

About You

• Recognised international research profile supported by strong publications, grants and networks
• Demonstrated ability to lead interdisciplinary research teams across diverse fields
• Capacity to set strategic vision, guide organisational planning and enable long term research sustainability
• Strong leadership capability including mentoring, workforce development and performance management
• Commitment to equity, Indigenous advancement and research impact beyond academia

Employer Visa sponsorship will be provided if required.