SME Research Centre, Director

Deakin University is undertaking a comprehensive search for the next Director of the IPA SME Research Centre. Ranked in the global top 300 universities (QS and THE 2023), Deakin aspires to be Australia's most progressive and responsive university, intimately connected to the varied communities it serves through innovation and excellence in education and research, while enhancing its global impact. In keeping with its strategy Deakin 2030: Ideas to Impact, Deakin prides itself on fundamental research strongly connected to the innovative translation of our ideas into new services, products, policies, and capabilities.

The IPA-Deakin SME Research Centre’s mission is to generate robust research and knowledge on small-medium enterprises to inform diverse policy change and to support better SME practice. The Research Centre’s expertise examines the three pillars of SME productivity including investment, innovation, and human capital. The Centre also utilises multi-disciplinary experts to examine issues related to regulation, trade, and sustainability of SME firms, including the well-being, resilience, and skills of SME owners. The Research Centre has formed a strong partnership with the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and this agreement has been extended until 2025.

The next Director will be required to lead the IPA SME Research Centre. The new Director will be expected to develop and implement a Research Centre strategy, aligned with Deakin’s strategy through partnering with external and internal stakeholders, along with professional bodies. The Director will be an esteemed researcher in a field connected to the IPA SME Research Centre’s strengths, possess a strong track-record of generating SME-related external research income, and have a demonstrable record of SME-focussed thought leadership. Deakin are seeking an entrepreneurial innovator who can inspire the outstanding researchers within the IPA SME Research Centre while building for the future. This appointee will also have demonstrated experience in cultivating and maintaining partnerships and industry engagement with SMEs.

If you wish to discuss this role further in confidence, please contact Nicki Shwe Yee at Nicki.ShweYee@perrettlaver.com or on +61 (0)2 8051 3008. For more information and to submit your application please visit the Perrett Laver website at https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting reference 6671

The deadline for applications is 11.59pm AEST on Sunday 22^ndOctober, 2023