Status/Term of position: Full-time fixed-term appointment (to 15 December 2028)Total remuneration range: $166,274 to $184,308 paCampus location: Toowoomba or Springfield campusTo be considered for this position, you will need to have the right to work in Australia.The University of Southern Queensland is proud to lead the nationally significant iLAuNCH (Innovative Launch, Automation, Novel Materials, Communications and Hypersonics) Trailblazer program — a bold, multi-partner initiative of regionally based institutions (The Australian National University and Adelaide University) accelerating Australia’s sovereign space capability. We are seeking an outstanding Chief Operating Officer (iLAuNCH) to join this high‑impact, future‑focused program at a pivotal stage of growth.Working in close partnership with the iLAuNCH Director, you will play a central leadership role in translating strategy into delivery. You will ensure robust financial stewardship, program management, governance and reporting frameworks that underpin the program’s integrity and performance. Beyond operational excellence, you will contribute strategically to the development of the next iLAuNCH strategy, shaping future business development and commercialisation opportunities that extend the program’s national impact.This is a rare opportunity to shape a nationally important program at the intersection of research commercialisation and industry collaboration — guiding a dedicated team while positioning iLAuNCH for its next phase of growth and innovation.Who you areYou are a strategic and commercially astute executive leader who thrives in complex, high‑profile environments where governance, performance and impact matter. You bring a strong track record of operational leadership, financial stewardship and program oversight, coupled with the ability to translate strategy into execution.You are equally comfortable navigating government reporting frameworks, overseeing complex contracts and budgets, and engaging senior stakeholders across industry, research and the public sector. You build credibility quickly, influence with confidence, and bring the judgement and resilience required to operate in multi‑partner, multi‑project environments.Importantly, you are energised by innovation and the opportunity to shape the future. You are motivated by building sustainable programs, strengthening commercialisation pathways and creating new business development opportunities that deliver real‑world impact. You lead with integrity, foster high‑performing teams, and take pride in positioning organisations for long‑term growth and national significance.What you'll doAs Chief Operating Officer (iLAuNCH), you will turn strategy into delivery for a nationally significant program shaping Australia’s sovereign space capability. Working alongside the Director, you will lead day‑to‑day operations, oversee financial and contract management, strengthen governance and reporting frameworks, and ensure the program delivers on its commitments with rigour and accountability.You will drive business development and commercialisation activity — partnering with researchers, industry and government to secure funding, build high‑value relationships, progress IP strategies and develop new ventures. You will lead and mentor a skilled operations team, while aligning program activity with broader University functions to support sustainable growth.In your first 6–12 months, you will:Enhance financial, governance and reporting maturityBuild and consolidate key national partnerships and stakeholder relationshipsContribute to shaping the next iLAuNCH strategy and growth agendaDeliver measurable operational improvements that strengthen performance and impact.This is an important role with significant influence — offering the opportunity to shape a flagship national program, expand your profile, and drive meaningful research, industry and commercial outcomes.What will help you succeedYou bring postgraduate qualifications in business, commercialisation, project management or a related discipline (or equivalent senior experience), together with substantial leadership experience in higher education, research, industry, government or similarly complex environments.You have a strong track record of leading large‑scale programs with accountability for financial management, governance, reporting and contract oversight. You are confident interpreting complex policy, regulatory and funding frameworks, and providing strategic advice that informs executive decision‑making.Your experience includes developing and implementing strategy, building high‑performing teams, and managing multi‑stakeholder partnerships across institutional and industry settings. You have successfully led major projects from concept through delivery, ideally including funding bids, commercialisation initiatives or new venture planning.Most importantly, you bring commercial acumen, sound judgement and the ability to operate credibly at senior levels — positioning programs for growth, sustainability and long‑term impact.For further information about this role, please contact Dr Samantha Rose, Director, Office of Research and Acting Chief Operating Officer (iLAuNCH), via +61 7 4631 2866 or s.rose@unisq.edu.au.We support and encourage applications from all diversity groups. With an increasingly diverse workforce, we understand that careers may be placed on hold or limited throughout many life circumstances.At UniSQ we are united by our core values of Respect, Integrity and Excellence, which guide our daily actions and decision‑making. UniSQ is a child‑safe organisation.As part of the University of Southern Queensland's commitment to fostering a safe, respectful and rewarding work environment and in compliance with our legal obligations, we require candidates to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender Based Violence, or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender Based Violence, during the course of their previous employment or in any legal process.This information helps us meet our legal obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence, and will be considered when determining a candidate's suitability for employment, so that we can keep our University community safe.If you know that this role is right for you, please submit your current resume together with a two‑page (maximum) statement, outlining your skills and experience relative to ‘Who we’re looking for’ in the position description.For more information on our selection process please refer to your recruitment journey available on our website.Reference Number: 0056_02/26Location: Toowoomba or Springfield campusTerm: Full‑time fixed‑term appointment until 15 December 2028 (36 hours/week)Salary: Total remuneration range $166,274 to $184,308 pa (includes salary range of $140,227 to $155,436 pa, employer super contributions of 17% and annual leave loading)Closes: Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEST)
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