Innovation Centre Seeks Chief Executive Officer

17-Oct-2011
Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast 
Appointment: Full-time fixed-term 
(three year) appointment
Supervisor: Chair, Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast
Closing date: 5pm, Monday 
7 November 2011


The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast (ICSC) is responsible to the Chair and the Board of Directors for the effective and efficient performance of the Centre. This includes meeting key objectives for the organisation and meeting the expectations and requirements of the organisation’s single shareholder, the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC), the firms associated with it, ICSC services, its employees, sponsors, and the business and general communities of the Sunshine Coast region.

  

The organisation

Established in 2001 and recognised as one of the leading facilities of its type in Australia, the ICSC aims to create opportunities for rewarding, high-quality careers in third millennium knowledge-based industries and attract innovators, entrepreneurs and knowledge-workers to drive industry-diversification and expand perceptions of the Coast.

ICSC is a freestanding, not-for-profit organisation and a controlled entity of USC. It is financially supported by the University and the Queensland State Government and operates from a specifically constructed facility on the USC Sippy Downs campus.

Details of its mission and operations can be found on the Innovation Centre website. It has an independent Board, members of which are drawn from the private, public and tertiary education sectors, and has established strategic and operational plans and governance to deliver on the key objectives and activities of the Innovation Centre. Generally, these aim to:

• Support the development of next generation firms, leaders, employees and jobs for the region, now and into the future, and
• Be the key interface between the Centre and USC and its professoriate, other research and teaching staff and the student body to maximise the value of relationships and exchanges with the business and wider communities.

The incubation of start-up companies and the direct support of companies that are more advanced in their development are fundamental to the activities of the Centre. However, as the Centre’s name suggests, ICSC’s mission is broader than incubation and specific firm support. ICSC is committed to a range of innovative and integrated programs and initiatives within the University, across the region and further afield, that will meet the overall corporate mission and strategic objectives for the organisation.

ICSC recognises that, to be effective, it is critical not only to continue to evolve, grow and customise its offer, ensuring that key capabilities and functions are maintained and improved, but also to outreach and adapt continually to changing circumstances and opportunities. Fundamental to this is the importance of skills development for both existing businesses and employees and particularly for the students and graduates of USC. Consequently the enhancement of skills, communication, interfaces and particularly the placement of students and their retention after graduation in this region represent key outcomes.

ICSC also provides a knowledge hub and key information and support base to maximise opportunities for individual firms, professionals and institutions (particularly USC) in their engagement with and involvement in emerging and growing leading-edge, knowledge-intensive sectors.

The role of Chief Executive Officer

The role and activities required of the CEO reflect the nature and diversity of the organisation itself.

In the first instance, the CEO is responsible for the effective and efficient management and operations of the organisation. Within a framework of sound contemporary governance and a proven commitment to the highest ethical standards, the CEO must translate the strategic direction of the organisation into sound operations, best use of resources and strong inclusive leadership of ICSC staff and contractors / consultants.

A commitment to an effective relationship with the Board and high quality financial and other reporting is essential. 

In operations, the CEO’s role requires direct involvement in enthusiastically and effectively growing the business—internally with stakeholders and externally outreaching in a systematic and deliberately themed way to others in the region and beyond who can benefit from the services and systems provided by the Centre. Expertise and success in the application of contemporary business practices, structures, development and financial management, together with productive engagement with regional and wider economic environments and opportunities are essential.

To be successful in the role, the CEO will need to invest significant time and effort building strong and effective relationships with incubatees and University staff, together with a range of other senior representatives of the public and private sectors.

The effective management of information and corporate knowledge bases and the dissemination of that knowledge individually and through presentations, workshops, seminars and conferences are integral to the role.

Terms of employment

A three year contract, renewable by mutual consent, is offered on an attractive salary and benefits commensurate with the nature of this position.

Selection criteria

Applicants need to demonstrate with evidence:

1. An innovative and enthusiastic approach to leadership and management of an organisation dedicated to the growth and development of sustainable jobs and new sectors in a regional context.
2. The ability to initiate and lead a professional group to meet corporate objectives.
3. A sound working understanding of the characteristics and missions of regional universities and, in particular, their engagement with their communities and other stakeholders.
4. A proven understanding of sound governance and operational and financial management practices and reporting.
5. Strong business acumen and a proven sound understanding of contemporary business and knowledge development issues pertaining to wider economic and sectoral development matters.
6. Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills and the ability to positively and enthusiastically represent an organisation across a range of stakeholders.

More information:

Professor Michael Hefferan
Chair, Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast Pty Ltd
Tel: +61 7 5456 5169
Email: mhefferan@usc.edu.au

To apply for this position go to How to apply

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