Description
- Lead a world-class institute at the University of Sydney to advance global thought leadership in project delivery through research, education, and strategic partnerships
- Five-year fixed-term position with an attractive remuneration package, including the possibility of a substantive continuing academic appointment at Level D/E or Professor of Practice depending on candidate profile.
About the opportunity
The John Grill Institute for Project Leadership, within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sydney, combines rigorous research with real-world application in leadership for complex projects, systems integration, digital transformation, and sustainability. Appointed at an appropriate senior academic level (Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor of Practice), this role serves as a key link between academia, industry, government, and the community. The Institute builds leadership capability through executive education, applied and theoretical research, and strategic partnerships.
The Faculty is seeking to appoint a director who will position the Institute as a global thought leader in project leadership and delivery. The Director will provide intellectual, strategic, and operational leadership, shape the Institute’s research agenda, strengthen national and international partnerships, and guide its executive education programs. The substantive academic appointment (e.g., Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor of Practice) will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications, experience, and career trajectory.
Exceptional leaders from academia, industry, government, or applied research organisations are encouraged to apply, including those with major engineering achievements, translational impact, commercial innovation, or comparable contributions to the field. The Director will work closely with Faculty and University leadership to ensure alignment with broader strategic priorities and to enhance the Institute’s influence and impact. The Director may also contribute to teaching, supervision, mentoring or professional training in line with the substantive academic appointment.
About you (skills, capabilities and experience)
As a senior academic leader, the appointee will be an accomplished academic or industry leader with a PhD or equivalent professional experience in project management, engineering, business, or a related discipline. They will have an internationally recognised profile in project management or organisational leadership, with demonstrated executive leadership experience, strong financial and governance capabilities in major project delivery and industry innovation, and a proven record of leading high-performing research or professional teams. Experience in executive education, partnership development, and a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and collaborative culture will be essential.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
provide strategic and operational leadership for the institute
shape the research agenda and position the institute as a global thought leader
build and strengthen partnerships across academia, industry, and government
oversee executive education programs and ensure alignment with university priorities
manage financial performance and lead a high-performing, inclusive team.
Term and remuneration
The successful candidate will be offered a continuing position on a full-time basis and will be offered a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.
How to apply
Applications (including a CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role) must be submitted via the link above. Please refer to the candidate information brochure for further details.
Candidate Information Brochure
If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.
For a copy of the candidate information brochure, a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact:
Dr Mushtaq Sobhan (Senior Talent Partner, Senior Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Operations) on +61 433 556 642 or by email mushtaq.sobhan@sydney.edu.au
Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all roles required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.
Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance will be provided if required.
EEO statement
At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a university community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.
© The University of Sydney - The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Requirements
The Faculty is seeking to appoint a director who will position the Institute as a global thought leader in project leadership and delivery. The Director will provide intellectual, strategic, and operational leadership, shape the Institute’s research agenda, strengthen national and international partnerships, and guide its executive education programs. The substantive academic appointment (e.g., Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor of Practice) will be determined based on the successful candidate’s qualifications, experience, and career trajectory.
