The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions (CISS) is a not-for-profit organisation that brings together government, industry and research partners to develop coordinated and collaborative research, development and engagement (RD&E) portfolios and innovation pipelines that meet national invasive species challenges. Through scientific leadership and alliances, they act as a catalyst to deliver ethical invasive species solutions in Australia and beyond.

You’ll be joining CISS at an exciting stage in its evolution – they are currently on a trajectory to grow the organisation’s reach, reputation and revenue.

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about leading the protection of Australia's biodiversity, agriculture, and communities from invasive species threats?

This is your chance to join a nationally respected organisation and lead the impact of innovative programs.

As a key member of the CISS Senior Management Team, this is a high-impact leadership role responsible for shaping and driving CISS’s national invasive species research and innovation pipeline.

You’ll oversee a growing portfolio of 30+ projects across both invasive pests and weeds.

This is a rare opportunity to:

• Join the only organisation in Australia that takes innovative science-led research from conception through to extension at scale
• Lead a dynamic team with five direct reports that are well regarded in the industry and dedicated to making a real difference to environmental management
• Be recognised as a national invasive species leader by representing CISS on major national projects, government forums and working groups
• Play a critical part in positioning CISS to attract investment and grow its national leadership in environmental biosecurity

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, your key accountabilities will include the following:

• Lead a team of five direct reports (three National Coordinators and two R&D Coordinators) delivering nationally significant research across invasive pests and weeds
• Oversee the quality, delivery and impact of the RD&E portfolio, providing rigorous project oversight and governance
• Provide strategic reporting on RD&E program outcomes, including updates to the Board, Members, Investors and key stakeholders
• Represent CISS on national working groups, research forums, and major collaborative initiatives
• Partner with the CEO to identify, support and secure funding opportunities, including government grants, research tenders and large-scale multi-partner initiatives
• Provide technical advice and guidance to CISS’s business units to strengthen service delivery and impact
• Lead the preparation and management of animal ethics approvals
• Support stakeholder engagement and communications

The Ideal Person

You are a leader with high EQ and a track record in delivering complex RD&E projects. You understand the policy, regulatory, and practical landscape of invasive species management in Australia and thrive in dynamic, multi-stakeholder environments.

You have the ambition to identify and convert funding and commercialisation opportunities.

You will bring:

• A PhD or Masters Degree in a relevant field to CISS, equipping you with the ability to assess complex scientific concepts
• Knowledge of invasive animals and/or weeds, and their impacts and control options in Australia
• Excellent project management skills, including governance, reporting and budget management
• Relationship-building skills, particularly with government and industry partners
• A strong commercial mindset with a focus on revenue growth and portfolio expansion
• Experience leading a team and building staff capability

Salary / Additional Benefits

• $150k - $160k + 12% Super
• Full-time permanent position. Potential to job-share dependent on candidates who apply
• Head office is located in Bruce (Canberra) with free on-site parking
• Interstate applicants who are willing to relocate to Canberra are encouraged to apply. A financial relocation package is available. Please call to enquire about this

How to Apply

To apply online, please click on the appropriate link.

Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Liz Strachan on 02 6108 4878 quoting ref no. 20808.

HorizonOne is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and we encourage applications from people of all cultures, capabilities and backgrounds.