Executive Level 2 - Director - IPAVentures_EXT
Closing date:
24/03/2026
Vacancy information
Position title: Executive Level 2 - Director - IPAVentures_EXT
Job Requisition ID: 1672
Location: Canberra on Ngunnawal Country
Tenure: Ongoing
Our Opportunity
IPAVentures is seeking an experienced and motivated Director to lead a team of innovators that identify, develop, and deliver innovation opportunities within the IP system.
The successful candidate will:
- Provide strategic vision and leadership for IPAVentures, in alignment with the organisation's objectives and broader national priorities
- Provide strategic advice to Senior Executive about innovation related issues and opportunities
- Drive a culture of continuous innovation and openness to new ideas within the team, as well as across the agency
- Foster an environment that encourages thinking outside the box and challenging existing assumptions
- Oversight a rigorous evidence-based innovation methodology and processes, including research, hypothesis identification, concept testing and validation
- Build and foster collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating an empathetic and inclusive approach
- Work closely with other parts of the organisation and where necessary, outside of the organisation, to ensure seamless integration and alignment of innovation efforts
- Manage and inspire a high-performing team, providing guidance, development, and support to team members
- Foster a culture of curiosity, learning, and professional development within the team.
Job specific capabilities
The successful candidate will exhibit the following capabilities:
- Proven leadership of high-performing teams operating in dynamic, fast-paced environments particularly within innovation, research, or related domains
- Demonstrated success in driving transformative change and leading end-to-end innovation initiatives across complex organisational settings
- A strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and judgment. This includes a demonstrated ability to challenge assumptions and paradigms, identify root causes of issues, facilitate blue sky thinking, and make rigorous evidence-based business decisions
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities, including the ability to craft and pitch compelling business cases, negotiate effectively, influence outcomes, and build strong, trusted relationships
- Demonstrated ability to identify, navigate, and manage risk in uncertain, complex, and rapidly evolving environments.
The following are highly desirable in such a role:
- Extensive experience and knowledge of various innovation methodologies and approaches, such as Human-Centred Design and Futures Thinking
- Extensive experience in leading evidence-based innovation processes, including hypothesis identification, validation, and concept testing
- Exhibits a growth mindset and a drive towards continuous improvement.
Looking for more information?
Our candidate kit contains details including the capabilities required, the contact officer, and how to apply.
Please use the link below to access the candidate kit:
Applications Close
Applications close at 11:59pm AEDT Tuesday 24 March 2026.