University of the Sunshine Coast – Sippy Downs QLD

- Level 8, $118,986 - $134 756p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation
- Full-time (36.25 hours per week), ongoing opportunity

The Opportunity

Are you passionate about startups, scale-ups, emerging technologies, innovation ecosystems and creating opportunities where great ideas create impact?

UniSC is seeking an experienced innovation leader to shape the next phase of UniSC Innovation, including the continued growth of the Collider incubator and the activation of our new Future Skills Labs.

This is more than a program management role. It's an opportunity to build one of Queensland's most connected innovation communities and help create the future of entrepreneurship, industry collaboration and research translation across South East Queensland.

You'll develop a diverse portfolio of innovation and entrepreneurship programs, secure new partnerships and funding opportunities, support high-growth businesses, and create meaningful pathways for industry engagement, skills development and technology adoption.

A key focus of the role will be translating the University's vision for the Future Skills Labs into a vibrant destination where businesses can explore emerging technologies, participate in practical demonstrations, develop workforce capability and collaborate with UniSC researchers and students.

We are looking for someone who thrives on creating connections, spotting opportunities and turning ambitious ideas into practical outcomes. This role offers the rare opportunity to:

- Lead an established university incubator while shaping the next generation of innovation infrastructure.
- Build partnerships across startups, scaleups, industry, government and investors.
- Develop new programs, commercial opportunities and funding streams.
- Create lasting impact for businesses, students, researchers and the broader community.
- Influence the growth of Queensland's innovation ecosystem.

You’ll bring experience from an innovation precinct, incubator, accelerator, entrepreneurship program, technology hub, innovation consultancy or related environment, together with a passion for helping people and organisations innovate, grow and succeed.

If you’re excited by the idea of building thriving innovation communities,



supporting entrepreneurs and helping translate ideas into impact, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information, please visit us online: UniSC Innovation

You will

- lead the activation and utilisation of the Future Skills Labs, developing and delivering programs, demonstrations, workshops and industry projects that support University and industry outcomes;
- develop and grow strategic relationships with industry, government, startups, scaleups and ecosystem partners, identifying opportunities for partnerships, funding, sponsorship and commercial activity; and
- lead the effective operation of UniSC Innovation, including team leadership, financial and contract management, resident engagement, program evaluation and reporting, while promoting the University's innovation capability and profile.

About you

You are an experienced innovation, entrepreneurship or business development professional with a proven ability to lead innovation programs, precincts, incubators or accelerators and translate opportunities into meaningful outcomes. You bring a strong understanding of the startup and scaleup ecosystem and the ability to engage confidently with industry, government, researchers, students and other diverse stakeholders.

A strategic and commercially minded leader, you are skilled at developing partnerships, securing funding and managing complex programs within an evolving environment. You combine strong communication and influencing capability with sound financial, operational and people management skills, and are motivated by creating practical opportunities that connect innovation, technology, industry and the University.

You will possess:

- Postgraduate qualifications in business or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant experience, education and training;
- Demonstrated experience leading an innovation precinct, business incubator or accelerator to significant outcomes for participants and the organisation;




- Significant experience developing and managing innovation programs, facilities or business processes, with experience in the higher education sector desirable;
- Proven ability to build and leverage relationships with industry, government and innovation ecosystem partners, including securing funding, sponsorship and strategic partnerships;
- Well-developed understanding of the startup, scaleup and innovation ecosystem, emerging technologies and contemporary business and funding models; and
- Strong leadership, financial, project and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, and support a small team and advise colleagues across UniSC.

Don’t meet every requirement? At UniSC, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you’re excited about this role but your CV doesn’t align perfectly with our position description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at *************@usc.edu.au or call +61 .

Applications for this position close midnight, Monday 5 October 2026.

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

Discover UniSC

- Our cooperative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
- Modern teaching & research facilities.
- Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
- We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of theScience in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE)initiative.
- Versatile work arrangements & generous leave options.
- Salary packing options + 17% Super.
- EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.

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📌 Manager, UniSC Innovation (Sunshine Coast Regional)
🏢 University of the Sunshine Coast
📍 Sunshine Coast Regional