Executive Director, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)

Position Summary

• Area / Division: Sciences and Engineering.
• School / Section: Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).
• Location: Castray Esplanade, Hobart.
• Classification: Senior Manager.
• Reports to: Pro Vice-Chancellor, Sciences and Engineering.
• Direct reports: 10.
• Delegation level: Profile B.

The Opportunity

The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) is a world class centre for marine and Antarctic research and education at the University of Tasmania. Known for its relevant and globally distinctive research and education programs, IMAS delivers highly trained scientists and researchers who serve the needs of academic institutions, industry, government and the community.

With an ambitious vision to contribute to a globally sustainable future, IMAS works to position Tasmania as an international leader in the responsible management of marine and polar environments. IMAS addresses the critical sustainability challenges affecting the temperate and Southern Oceans and the Antarctic region by generating knowledge and capabilities to: conserve Australia's temperate marine ecosystems; protect the broader Southern Ocean and Antarctica; and support the sustainable management and low-impact production of seafood-based protein.

The Executive Director will champion the IMAS vision, driving excellence in research and impact so that IMAS stands among the world's leading marine and Antarctic Institutes. IMAS has three core research programs in Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ecology and Biodiversity, and Oceans, Ice and Climate. The Executive Director will maintain the reputation of IMAS for excellence with impact across these programs through productive relationships with academia, industry, government, and foundations within Australia and internationally.

A values-centred and inclusive leader, the Executive Director will foster a supportive and collegial work environment across the Hobart Waterfront and Taroona sites, supporting and mentoring staff to achieve their best performance and contributing to the development of the next generation of leaders. They ensure that IMAS functions as a cohesive, collaborative, and inclusive contributor to the wider University, while also maintaining the Institute's financial sustainability. The Executive Director will also contribute to the University through membership of relevant high-level University committees and represent the marine and Antarctic disciplines across the University and with external stakeholders.

About the University of Tasmania

The University of Tasmania is a mission-driven institution dedicated to making a difference for Lutruwita/Tasmania and a distinctive contribution from Tasmania to the world. As the sole university on the island, the University is deeply embedded in the social, economic, and environmental fabric of Tasmania, working in close partnership with communities, industry, and government to address key challenges in education, health, productivity, and climate action.

With a networked presence across Tasmania and beyond, the University of Tasmania is shaping a model of education and research grounded in the unique ecosystems and communities of the State. Looking toward 2050, the University aims to exercise global leadership through place-based discovery.

Accountabilities and Outcomes

Purpose: The Executive Director leads the realisation of the IMAS strategy, generating the knowledge and capabilities needed for global leadership in the conservation and protection of temperate marine and Antarctic ecosystems, and delivering world-leading insights into climate change.

• Lead the development and implementation of the IMAS strategy, building areas of recognised research and teaching strength.
• Provide exemplary leadership which fosters research excellence and impact, delivers distinctive learning and teaching programs and nurtures and facilitates the career development of staff.
• Establish and lead productive and effective relationships locally, and of national and global significance, ensuring that IMAS is a partner of choice for governments, industry, and other universities and research institutes.
• Facilitate and ensure funding is secured for high-quality research of international standing.
• Foster a scholarly environment that delivers an outstanding student experience and provide leadership in key areas of learning and teaching.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-engagement workplace culture that supports staff wellbeing, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Ensure the sustainable financial management of IMAS, aligning resources with strategic priorities and supporting long-term institutional success.

Success Profile

Personal Attributes

The Executive Director of IMAS will have integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, empathy, agility and drive, able to influence across a broad range of stakeholders while advocating, leading, communicating and delegating effectively: Leadership, Innovative, Collaborative, Influential Communicator, Evaluative, Motivated, and Resilient.

Core Capabilities

Strategy into Action; Community Engagement; Holistic Decision Making; Growth Mindset; and Leading Change.

Role Specific Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Proven ability as a transformational leader, driving and inspiring engagement with IMAS's strategic direction and change initiatives and creating an environment that fosters excellence in research and teaching, and professional development and growth in others.
• A demonstrated commitment to fostering and sustaining research excellence, evidenced by a track record of supporting, mentoring, or leading teams that have achieved international recognition and made innovative, distinguished contributions to a thematic area relevant to IMAS, including a strong understanding of what underpins high-quality research outputs, successful grant acquisition, and research impact; and/or deep familiarity with the research enterprise, gained through active participation in or sustained leadership of research-intensive environments.
• Demonstrated capacity to influence and lead IMAS culture, including building teams that support the University of Tasmania's values, positive ways of working and an effective work health and safety culture.
• Familiarity with Antarctic and/or marine issues at local, national and international levels, a demonstrated capacity to take a leading role in policy debates and the ability to position IMAS within these contexts.
• A demonstrated capacity to build and maintain effective and productive links locally, nationally and internationally with industry, government and/or wider community.
• Commitment to internationalisation and demonstrated capacity to work with students and staff from diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated experience in managing safety and operations in a complex scientific organisation, including an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of an 'officer' under Work Health and Safety laws.

Qualifications and Licences

• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Current Tasmanian registration to Work with Vulnerable People (Registration Status – Employment).

Other Requirements

As part of the commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and National Police Checks may be conducted as part of the selection process. Travel to other University campuses is required, together with occasional interstate and international travel.

How to Apply

More information and application: https://careers.utas.edu.au/ci/en/job/502107/executive-director-imas