Strategy & Partnerships Program Director - Square Kilometre Array (SKA)

Acknowledgement of Country 

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation. 

Role highlights

• Lead CSIRO’s strategy, partnerships and national coordination for Australia’s participation in the landmark SKA project
• Shape high-impact relationships across government, SKAO, research partners and the international astronomy community
• Drive mission assurance, Host Country stewardship and long-term value from one of the world’s most significant research infrastructures

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

Shape Australia’s role in a global science endeavour

CSIRO’s Space & Astronomy team plays a central role in Australia’s contribution to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), one of the world’s largest international science and technology endeavours. Through the SKA project, Australia is helping build and operate a transformational radio astronomy observatory that will enable world-leading science, drive innovation and create long-term national benefit.

As SKA Strategy & Partnerships Program Director, you will provide senior leadership for CSIRO’s participation in the SKA project, including mission assurance, Host Country stewardship, government engagement, governance and national coordination. Working across CSIRO, government, SKAO (Square Kilometre Array Observatory) and national and international partners, you will help ensure Australia’s investment delivers enduring scientific, economic and societal value.

This is a rare opportunity for a highly credible senior leader to influence the future of major research infrastructure and scientific collaboration at national and international scale.

Where you will make an impact: 

• Provide leadership and mission assurance for CSIRO’s participation in the SKA project, ensuring commitments, priorities, risks and outcomes are effectively managed and communicated.
• Build and sustain trusted relationships with government, SKAO, research partners, member nations and other key national and international stakeholders.
• Oversee governance, agreements and coordination arrangements that support effective decision-making, accountability and alignment with national science priorities.
• Steward CSIRO’s Host Country responsibilities, including obligations, partnerships, infrastructure considerations and long-term operational requirements associated with the SKA project in Australia.
• Represent and champion Australia’s scientific interests through engagement with the astronomy community, government, research partners and international forums.
• Contribute as a senior member of the Space & Astronomy leadership team, strengthening capability, organisational performance and enterprise priorities across CSIRO.

A few important details:

• Location: Kensington, Perth, Western Australia, (Whadjuk Noongar Country)
• Salary: Attractive salary with 15.4% superannuation
• Tenure & work schedule: Specified term of 5 years. Options for part-time, job-share and flexible work arrangements can be discussed based on needs of role and individual circumstances.      
• Applications are open to Australian and New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents and international candidates who are able to obtain an Australian Government Baseline security clearance.
• Appointment is subject to obtaining or holding an Australian Government Baseline security clearance and providing a national police check. Other security, medical or character requirements may also apply.
• Job Reference Number: 103922

What you will bring:

• A strong record of senior leadership in complex scientific, research infrastructure, government, policy or international partnership environments.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and sustain influential partnerships across government, research organisations, industry and international stakeholders.
• Experience providing trusted advice and influencing senior executives, boards, ministers, government agencies or equivalent governance bodies.
• Sound judgement in navigating complex governance, regulatory, stakeholder and risk environments, ideally in large-scale research infrastructure, science, technology or innovation programs.
• A PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant scientific, technical or policy-related discipline.
• Knowledge of astronomy, radio astronomy or major international research infrastructure would be highly regarded.

For full details about this role, and all criteria, please review the position description.

We recognise that senior leaders bring diverse career pathways and experiences. If you are unsure whether your experience meets all the essential criteria, but feel strongly aligned to the role’s purpose and leadership requirements, we encourage you to apply or reach out to discuss your suitability.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that individuals may have different needs, and we’re happy to discuss what adjustments to our process may help you feel safe, respected and able to participate fully. Please contact *************@csiro.au and let us know how we can support you.  

Life, benefits and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Platinum Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Child safety 

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy. 

How to apply 

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close 

5th Oct 2026, 11:00pm AEDT