Vacancies

Executive Director, AgriPark

Fixed-term (5 years) | Wagga Wagga campus

• Lead a nationally significant agricultural innovation ecosystem
• Nationally visible executive leadership role
• Competitive executive remuneration

Lead one of Australia’s most significant regional agricultural innovation ecosystems

Charles Sturt University is seeking an exceptional executive leader to take on the role of Executive Director, AgriPark, a flagship, place-based innovation ecosystem at the forefront of agricultural research, commercialisation and regional impact.

Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), this role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of Australian agriculture by leading a nationally significant platform that connects research, industry, government and communities to deliver measurable economic, environmental and social outcomes.

About the role

As Executive Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for AgriPark, positioning it as a trusted, industry-facing gateway for innovation, research translation and commercial impact.

You will lead significant assets, partnerships and programs, with responsibility for setting strategic direction, driving commercial performance and representing AgriPark at the highest levels of government and industry.

Working in close partnership with the Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, faculties, senior University leaders and external stakeholders, you will lead the place, platform and partnerships that move research from discovery to adoption at scale. This includes overseeing co-located industry partnerships, demonstration farms, pilot-scale trials and commercialisation pathways that drive productivity, sustainability and regional growth.

This is a highly visible senior leadership role with sector-wide and national impact, central to Charles Sturt University’s ambition to be Australia’s pre-eminent rural and regional University, and offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the significance of the role.

About you

You are a seasoned executive with a strong track record leading complex organisations at the intersection of research, industry and regional development. You bring strategic vision, commercial acumen and a deep understanding of agricultural or regional innovation ecosystems.

You will demonstrate:

• Senior executive leadership experience in innovation precincts, research translation, commercialisation or regional development
• A proven ability to build, lead and sustain high-value partnerships with industry, government and community stakeholders
• Provide strategic oversight of complex financial management, including multi-source funding, budgets and commercial arrangements, while driving sustainable revenue, investment and measurable impact
• Provide executive oversight of Agripark operations, governance, financial performance, risk and compliance.
• Outstanding communication and influence skills across diverse, geographically dispersed stakeholders

Why join Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt is a university of the land and people of our regions, connected, future-focused and impact-driven. Our ethos, yindyamarra winhanganha, the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in, shapes everything we do.

At AgriPark, you will:

• Lead a nationally significant agricultural innovation ecosystem
• Influence sector-wide outcomes for Australian agriculture and regional economies
• Work with world-class researchers, industry partners and communities
• Be supported by competitive executive remuneration, 17% superannuation and flexible working arrangements
• Live and work in the vibrant Riverina region, with strong community connections and lifestyle benefits

About AgriPark

Headquartered at Charles Sturt’s Wagga Wagga campus, AgriPark brings together researchers, industry, government and community to tackle real-world agricultural challenges. From digital agriculture and soil health to renewable integration and commercial farming operations, AgriPark ensures innovation moves beyond concept to real-world impact.

Application requirements

Applicants are expected to apply online and address the selection criteria.

For a confidential conversation, please contact Professor Neena Mitter, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at nmitter@csu.edu.au.

If you experience difficulties applying online or require further information about the application process, please visit our how to apply page or contact us for assistance.

This position is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents, or applicants who hold a current valid work visa commensurate with this position.

Additional information is available in the Applicant Information Brochure. 

Applications close: 11 pm, 2 March 2026

Advertised: 02 Feb 2026 09:00 AM - AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 02 Mar 2026 11:00 PM - AUS Eastern Daylight Time