Chief Innovator

Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 190,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) in Queensland seeks a Chief Innovator to shape the state's innovation economy by leading science, innovation and commercialisation initiatives and connecting research with industry and capital.

You will build strategic relationships across government, universities, industry and investors, translate ideas into market impact, and advocate for Queensland on the national and international stage.

Qualifications

• Executive and systems leader with experience in innovation and economic development.
• Proven ability to build partnerships across government, industry and researchers.
• Strong understanding of innovation ecosystems and investment markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the State's science, innovation and commercialisation agenda.
• Connect researchers, industry and capital to move ideas from discovery to market.
• Represent Queensland nationally and internationally to attract investment.

Job description

Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation – Brisbane QLD

Queensland has the ideas, research capability, entrepreneurial talent and ambition to lead the next wave of innovation.

DETSI Is seeking an exceptional Chief Innovator

As Chief Innovator, you will:

• Connect researchers, entrepreneurs, industry, investors and government to accelerate innovation, commercialisation and economic growth.
• Strengthen pathways that take ideas from discovery and validation through to investment readiness, market adoption and scale.
• Foster collaboration across universities, research organisations, businesses and regions to translate Queensland’s ideas, talent and capability into lasting economic, social and environmental outcomes.

Turn Queensland's ideas into impact

Queensland has the ideas, research capability, entrepreneurs and ambition. The opportunity now is to connect them, turning more of Queensland’s ingenuity into investment, new industries, thriving businesses, high‑value jobs and outcomes that matter.

DETSI is seeking an exceptional Chief Innovator to help shape the next chapter of Queensland's innovation economy.

This is not a conventional government leadership role. It is an opportunity to influence an entire innovation ecosystem, connecting research, entrepreneurship, industry, government and capital to move great ideas from discovery to market, and from potential to impact.

The opportunity

As Queensland's Chief Innovator, you will lead the State's science, innovation and commercialisation agenda, connecting research, industry, investment and government priorities to drive innovation, productivity and economic growth. Working alongside the Queensland Chief Scientist and leading the Office of Commercialisation, you will strengthen pathways from discovery and validation through to investment readiness, commercialisation, market adoption and scale.

You will build and leverage strategic relationships across government, universities, research organisations, industry, entrepreneurs, investors and innovation precincts to unlock opportunities, address capability gaps and strengthen Queensland’s innovation ecosystem. The role will connect founders and scale-ups with research, funding, investors and markets, helping Queensland capture greater value from its ideas, talent and research capability.

As a visible advocate for Queensland, you will represent the State nationally and internationally, provide high-level strategic advice to government, and help attract investment that supports innovation priorities. Success will be measured through stronger ecosystem connections, increased commercialisation outcomes, greater investment and industry engagement, and more Queensland innovations reaching and succeeding in market.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking an accomplished executive and systems leader with experience in innovation, commercialisation, investment attraction, entrepreneurship and economic development. You may come from government, industry, research, universities, investment, venture capital, or the start‑up and scale‑up ecosystem, with a demonstrated ability to deliver impactful outcomes.

You will bring a strong understanding of innovation ecosystems, commercialisation pathways and investment markets, with the credibility to engage and influence across government, industry, research and entrepreneurial communities. A proven track record of building partnerships, aligning diverse stakeholders and translating opportunities into tangible economic, commercial or public value will be essential.

An influential and strategic leader, you will possess sound judgement, strong commercial acumen and exceptional communication skills. You will be equally effective working with founders, researchers, investors and senior government leaders, while fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, accountability and inclusion.

We offer priority consideration to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people living with disability who meet the minimum requirements.

Applications will remain current for a period of 12 months.