Director, Thompson Institute

Founded in 1996, the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is one of Australia's youngest and fastest growing universities with an ambitious vision of becoming Australia's premier regional university. UniSC has achieved significant success, including a Five Star rating in the Good Universities Guide for 16 consecutive years, ranking first in Queensland and seventh in Australia for 'Overall Impact', and producing world-class research in 26 areas, including environmental impact, mental and medical health, and human behaviour. UniSC is committed to providing exceptional education, fostering innovation and creativity, and making a positive impact on society.

UniSC's Thompson Institute opened its doors in 2016 and is now a world-class hub for mental health research addressing Australia's most crucial mental health issues. The Thompson Institute is uniquely placed to integrate and co-locate research, clinical services and education - an innovative model that enables the fast translation of research evidence into clinical practice.

In appointing the Director, Thompson Institute, we are seeking a visionary leader who will take the Institute to the next stage of its development. The Director will lead and manage the clinical, research and teaching programs of the Institute. They will focus on developing and implementing critical and exciting strategic initiatives such as the establishment of the National PTSD Research Centre. They will lead the Institute through a period of growth and expansion, ensuring delivery of outstanding academic leadership and performance, as well as excellent organisational management.

The role is suited to a seasoned and internationally recognised research leader, who has a strong track record in the mental health neuroscience space complemented by a strong ability to lead, innovate and deliver on a compelling vision. Prior success in attracting external funding from diverse sources and the ability to build and nurture new scientific collaborations is essential. PhD qualified, the appointee will bring experience in effectively leading change within a complex and diverse stakeholder environment.

As a leader, the Director will be an inspirational and charismatic people leader who would set expectations around performance and standards of excellence. The Director will harness and develop capability at all levels of the Institute to foster expertise and contemporary practice as well as realise the full potential of our dedicated staff. They will be collaborative in their approach and will encourage teamwork and cooperation across the Institute and the wider university community. The Director will embrace and promote equity, diversity and inclusion in everything we do and foster a supportive and empowering environment across all areas of the Institute. Most importantly, the incoming Director will positively contribute to UniSC and the Thompson Institute's culture, enabling the strategic goal of being a workplace of choice.

How to Apply

The University of the Sunshine Coast has partnered with Odgers Berndtson Executive Search on this executive appointment process. All enquiries will be treated with strict confidence.

For further information and a copy of the candidate booklet, please contact the advising consultants: Lina Vanifatova, +61 2 8905 3735, Lina.Vanifatova@odgersberndtson.com or Suzanne Reiger, +61 433 79 6161, Suzanne.Reiger@odgersberndtson.com

Applications will close Sunday 11 June 2023.

To submit your application online please follow the link www.odgers.com/88888