Director, Peter Underwood Centre

The Opportunity

The Director, Peter Underwood Centre will play a key leadership role in shaping the next chapter of the Peter Underwood Centre and its activity.  Drawing upon a rich network of experts and partners, the Director will oversight the collaborative approach to framing priority strategic questions and driving evidence-based activity that will result in significant and positive impact across education attainment and success policy and practice in Tasmania. This will include leading the development of evidence that enhances the capacity of the University and its partners to make informed contribution to policy issues and discussions. This work will be further driven through the Director’s role of developing new strategic collaborations and partnerships, enabling funding, expertise, research and other resources to be leveraged across higher education, government and broader community settings.

About the University

At the University of Tasmania, success takes a quiet determination and adaptability. In turn, this makes us broader, more rounded, multi-skilled thinkers and creative problem solvers, and it sees our institution generate powerful ideas for and from Tasmania. Because of our unique setting and challenges we go beyond creating places of learning. We strive to stimulate economic growth, lift literacy, improve health outcomes for Tasmania and nurture our environment as it nurtures us. We welcome enquiring minds, from near and far, to join us in our pursuit of the extraordinary.

What’s Required

As an action-orientated and influential leader, your deep knowledge of success in educational attainment and barriers in Tasmania across the full spectrum of community life stages and contexts for learning will be the key to your success.  Your application will highlight:

• Deep understanding of the levers required to positively influence systemic change within education systems and able to work across government and university sector leveraging off their respective complexities and potential.
• Extensive experience of developing and contributing to education policy and practice in the university sector or in government, including the legislative and compliance contexts in which that operates, or in a strongly related setting.
• High level experience and standing in academia and/or equivalent professional experience in government or industry.
• Proven expertise in developing collaborative relationships and stakeholder networks with the proven capacity to work productively with stakeholders across government, academia and community.
• Demonstrated capacity to work within a complex higher education environment, understanding the core work of learning and teaching, research and engagement and the local and national context.

What’s on Offer?

This full-time, ongoing senior management opportunity is available to be based on any of our Tasmanian campuses, in Hobart, Launceston or Burnie.  A competitive base salary will be in addition to 17% superannuation, salary packaging options, and relocation support for those considering a move to Tasmania. The University of Tasmania is one of the largest employers in the State and people are at the heart of everything we do. By joining the University, you’ll have access to staff benefits and discounts for health, fitness, accommodation, and banking to name a few.

Considering a move to Tasmania to take up this opportunity?

Offering a breath of fresh air, our island State’s wild landscapes, unique towns and fascinating history have something for everyone. Tasmania has crafted a unique brand of creativity and adventure; case in point: world-famous MONA and the exceptional mountain bike tracks of Derby. Our world-famous food and wine provide an abundance of fresh seafood, family-run wineries and distilleries, and culinary experiences celebrating farm-fresh produce.

Belong - Be You

People are at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to ensure that our people feel encouraged and supported to bring their whole selves to work. Fostering diversity and inclusion is our key priority, supporting our communities to come together in ways that empower connection, learning, belonging and growth. Celebrating the strengths that diversity brings will enable us to achieve our vision and mission. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community. Tell us how we can make this job work for you.

How to Apply?

If this role is of interest, we look forward to hearing from you.

• Please provide your up-to-date resume,
• A 1-page cover letter outlining your suitability, alignment with the core capabilities and motivation for the role,
• full responses to the role specific skills, knowledge and experience criteria outlined in the Success Profile section of the candidate brochure.  

For further information about this position, please contact Jessica Grant via *************@utas.edu.au

Applications close 11:55pm, Sunday 28 April 2024.

 Director, Peter Underwood Centre Position Description April 2024.pdf

 Director Peter Underwood Centre Brochure April 2024.pdf

The University of Tasmania strongly encourages employees to maintain COVID-19 vaccination in line with relevant Australian Government health advice.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residence or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.