- Lead a high-profile initiative driving Northern Rivers resilience and recovery
- Shape partnerships across government, industry and community
- Turn complex work into stories that inspire action, investment and change

Be Bold. Belong. Be More. At Southern Cross University, we do things differently, and so can you.

A career with us is more than you might expect. Yes, it’s about the heart, connectedness and community you’d hope for in a regional university. But there’s also so much more. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience and our research is deeply connected to our regions, making a difference on a global scale.

This is your chance to help us build something new and meaningful for our students, our communities and your career. To drive change, make a real impact, and thrive in a place as unique as you.

You can be valuable anywhere. Here, you can be great.

Your opportunity

Help shape the future of the Northern Rivers. Living Lab: Northern Rivers connects research, design and community practice to support recovery, adaptation and resilience across the region. Established by Southern Cross University following the 2022 floods, it brings together government, industry, philanthropic and community partners to turn knowledge and ideas into regional impact.

We are seeking an influential and highly connected Director, Living Lab: Northern Rivers to lead its next stage of growth. Working with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Education Impact), you will shape the strategic direction, profile and engagement of Living Lab, while building partnerships that support sustained funding and impact.

As the public face of Living Lab, you will represent the initiative across government, industry, philanthropy, academia and community. You will translate complex work into compelling narratives, connect diverse stakeholders around shared opportunities and lead a small team to deliver the Living Lab's programs, engagement and growth.

You will make an impact by:

- Setting the strategic direction and growth agenda for Living Lab, Northern Rivers
- Building influential partnerships that strengthen regional engagement and funding
- Leading the public narrative,



profile and communications strategy of Living Lab
- Connecting diverse stakeholders around shared opportunities for regional impact
- Leading the portfolio, team, budget and performance to deliver sustainable outcomes

What you will bring

You will be a natural connector, storyteller and relationship builder who knows how to turn positive work into something people understand, believe in and want to support. You may come from a range of backgrounds such as strategic communications, media, community leadership, research impact, partnerships, philanthropy or an entrepreneurial environment. What matters is your ability to build something with a clear purpose, develop a strong profile and bring people with you.

You will be comfortable engaging with senior government, industry and academic leaders while remaining genuinely connected to grassroots communities. You can translate complex or technical ideas into compelling narratives for different audiences and understand how communications, relationships and funding come together to create momentum.

Most importantly, you will bring the judgement, credibility and curiosity to represent Living Lab: Northern Rivers with authenticity and to identify opportunities that strengthen its long-term impact.

- Senior experience building brands, audiences, communities or strategic initiatives
- Exceptional stakeholder and relationship management across diverse sectors
- A strong track record translating complex work into compelling narratives
- Experience developing funding, partnerships or philanthropic opportunities
- Strategic leadership experience across programs, engagement or communications

A relevant postgraduate qualification, or equivalent experience, will be highly regarded.

Why Southern Cross University

SCU is proudly a regional university, young, small and vibrant. That means you’ll find more exposure,



opportunity and ownership - to grow, achieve and build a career that means more. And you’ll do it alongside passionate people and leaders who go the extra mile to help you succeed. A career with us is about more than just work. It’s about place, community and the life you want to live. With three main campuses at the Gold Coast, Coffs Harbour and the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we’re integral to all these wonderful communities. Find your place and be more in this beautiful part of the world.

Your opportunity is

- Full time, fixed term (9 months)
- Located at Lismore, NSW 2480.

You will enjoy a range of perks designed to support your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance. For more information on our benefits and what it’s like to work at SCU, visit Why work at Southern Cross University? Be more with Southern Cross University today

Southern Cross University values potential as much as experience. If you do not meet all the listed requirements but are excited about the role and confident you can contribute, we encourage you to apply or reach out for more information.

Name: Vivian Cormier

Email: [email protected]

Applications close 11.30pm AEDT 7 October 2026.

Eligible applicants must have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency or current working rights in Australia for the entire duration of the appointment. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website.

Southern Cross University celebrates the rich diversity of our regions and international community. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that welcomes and values people of all backgrounds. We encourage applications from people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

We are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process to ensure every candidate can fully participate. For any support through the recruitment process reach out to [email protected].

#LIS

📌 Director, The Living Lab Northern Rivers (That)
🏢 Southern Cross University
📍 That