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Executive Director
Coastal Biodiversity and Information; Science; Dutton Park
Drive scientific insight, environmental outcomes and evidence-based decision making across one of Queensland’s most critical government portfolios
Join us as Executive Director, Coastal, Biodiversity and Information where you will:
• Lead impactful scientific programs and provide expert advice to senior leaders and Government to shape policy and decisions.
• Strengthen partnerships across government, industry, and research to align scientific services with government priorities
• Oversee major programs, ensuring strong governance, high performance, and a positive organisational culture.
#Acareerthatmatters. #Acontributionthatcounts.
Job details
| Position status | Contract |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Executive |
| Classification | SES2(H) |
| Workplace Location | Brisbane Inner City |
| Job ad reference | QLD/685644/26 |
| Closing date | 29-Apr-2026 |
| Job duration | Up to 5 years with possible extension |
| Contact person | Lyndsay Webley |
| Contact details | Ph: 0411 063 095 Access the National Relay Service |
This is a significant executive leadership role at the intersection of science, policy and delivery. The portfolio brings together multidisciplinary capability across coastal and air science, environmental systems, biodiversity, earth observation, social science and digital and information science.
About the Role
As Executive Director, Coastal Biodiversity and Information you will lead the delivery of high-quality scientific programs and ensure government policy, legislation and planning are informed by robust, contemporary scientific evidence.
Working closely with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders you will:
- Lead the delivery of multidisciplinary scientific programs that provide timely, high quality insights to inform environmental policy and decision-making
- Translate complex scientific data into clear, practical advice for senior decisionmakers, including Directors-General, Ministers and Cabinet
- Build and strengthen strategic partnerships across government, industry and research organisations to enable collaborative, high-impact outcomes
- Oversee major programs and projects, ensuring strong governance, effective delivery disciplines and continuous improvement at scale
- Act as an informed purchaser and broker of scientific services, ensuring value, quality and alignment to government priorities, including key legislative commitments
- Provide strategic leadership of a large, complex business area, driving performance, capability and culture across a workforce of 180 staff and a $58M budget
Success in the role will be reflected in the quality, relevance and influence of scientific advice, strengthened integration between science and policy, and enhanced capability to support Queensland's environmental and natural resource management outcomes.
What We're Looking For
You will bring:
- Proven executive leadership experience within large, multidisciplinary scientific or technical portfolios within complex environments
- Experience delivering science and data programs that directly inform policy, legislation and regulatory outcomes
- Strong executive judgement capabilities, with the ability to translate complex scientific insights into clear, strategic advice
- Credibility in building and influencing partnerships across government, research, industry and community stakeholders
- Demonstrated capability in leading large teams and managing significant budgets, with a focus on performance and culture
- An ability to drive alignment and delivery across complex systems, supported by strong governance and program management disciplines
Mandatory requirements
To be eligible for this role, you must have working rights in Australia.
Ready to Apply?
We have partnered with Luminary in the search and selection of talent for this process, please visit the candidate page for further information: Luminary Partners
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and offer priority consideration to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and peoples living with disability who meet the minimum requirements.
For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Lyndsay Webley, Partner, Luminary, on 0411 063 095 or via email Lyndsay.Webley@luminarypartners.com.au
If you require any additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process to help you demonstrate your ability to meet the inherent requirements of the role, please contact Lyndsay Webley.
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure to download any attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
