The Australian Public Policy Institute (APPI) is a unique joint-venture between governments and a growing coalition of universities. The Institute partners with governments to identify public policy solutions by mobilising university expertise, accelerating collaboration between policymakers and researchers for the good of all Australians. Launched in 2021 as the James Martin Institute for Public Policy (JMI), APPI is an independent, non-partisan charity based in Sydney and Canberra.
APPI is uniquely positioned to provide policymakers with pathways to access subject matter experts, matching the pace and pragmatism required by government. Conversely, it also provides avenues for academics to inform policy solutions for the greater good. The Institute provides long-term value by ensuring that governments and universities can work arm-in-arm towards shared objectives that benefit society at large.
Reporting to an independent governing Board, the CEO holds full strategic and operational responsibility for the Institute. The CEO has ultimate responsibility for determining the quality and approach to the Institute’s public policy work and, with the Board’s support, its position and relationship with senior government and university partners.
This unique role presents an opportunity to:
- Shape the public policy landscape in Australia for good.
- Help transform the relationship between government and universities through a partnership model based on collaboration; a truly joint venture for the public good.
- Transform how government accesses expert advice from across Australia’s world-leading universities in order to make critical public policy decisions by:
- Delivering highly impactful mechanisms for government to harness publicly-funded research capability from our world-leading public universities.
- Providing governments across Australia with an alternative source of independent, pragmatic, timely and expert-informed strategic policy advisory services, including rapid expert advisory capability.
- Build effective pathways and capabilities for policy-adjacent researchers to engage with decision-makers across government.
- Lead, shape and inspire a high-performing team, across multiple locations, building consistent culture, values and alignment with mission.
This senior role offers an unrivalled opportunity for an established leader with a deep understanding of government, at both federal and state levels, and a vision for public policy partnership and impact. Candidates will demonstrate a mix of strategic leadership, entrepreneurial adaptability, and partnership building capabilities that will allow them to scale up and strategically lead an enduring and globally recognised Institute.
With outstanding influencing, collaboration and communication skills, candidates will bring experience in building and maintaining relationships with senior leaders across government and university partners, including at the highest level.
Candidates should exhibit a record of serving the public interest with integrity, delivering substantial outcomes, and exercising effective judgment in a complex and dynamic partnership environment. In doing so, you will inspire others to partner in the collective mission of transforming public policy in Australia.
Closing date: 23 March 2026
