Executive Director, Natural Sciences

About the role

The Executive Director, Natural Sciences will lead Queensland Museum's Natural Sciences portfolio, shaping research, collections and partnership strategies to enhance scientific impact nationally and globally. Reporting to the CEO and sitting on the Executive Leadership Team, this newly created senior role will drive the museum’s research agenda and stewardship of its world‑class collections.

Key responsibilities

• Set and implement the strategic direction for Natural Sciences research, strengthening the museum’s research profile and public impact.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of scientists, curators and collection specialists across multiple sites.
• Develop and nurture partnerships with government, universities and industry to expand capability, access to collections and secure sustainable funding.
• Oversee stewardship and development of the National History collections and the evolution of the Collections and Research Centre at Hendra.
• Represent Queensland Museum in national and international scientific forums, promoting biodiversity research and environmental resilience.

Required profile

• Accomplished executive with experience in scientific research, collections, academia, museums or related sectors.
• Demonstrated scientific credibility and strategic leadership, able to shape a contemporary research agenda responsive to emerging environmental and community priorities.
• Proven ability to build partnerships, secure investment and enhance impact across complex stakeholder environments.
• Commercially astute, politically aware and skilled at communicating science in accessible, compelling ways.
• Collaborative and authentic leader who inspires high‑performing, multidisciplinary teams.
• Future‑focused mindset balancing stewardship of world‑class collections with innovation, succession planning and growth.

Required skills