Program Manager - Farm Business Resilience

The University of Tasmania acknowledges the Palawa/Pakana and Gadigal/Wangal people as the traditional custodians of the land, sea and waters of the areas upon which we live and work. We recognise their valuable contributions and deep connection to country and pay respect to Elders past and present. 

• Lead a high-profile program delivering meaningful outcomes for Tasmania’s agricultural sector and rural communities
• Senior leadership role driving strategy, partnerships, and program impact
• Full time, Fixed-Term (December 2029) role based in Launceston

The Program Manager – Farm Business Resilience leads the delivery of a significant statewide initiative aimed at strengthening the long-term sustainability and adaptability of Tasmania’s agricultural sector. Based within the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and working closely with the TAS Farm Innovation Hub, the role oversees the implementation of Phase 2 of the Future Drought Fund Farm Business Resilience Program.

Reporting at a senior level, the position provides strategic leadership and direction to ensure the program achieves its objectives, supporting farmers and agricultural enterprises to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to manage economic, environmental, and climate-related risks.

The role is responsible for program oversight, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership, working collaboratively with government, industry, and community partners to deliver high-quality outcomes. It also plays a key role in shaping program direction, ensuring alignment with workforce, sector, and policy priorities while strengthening resilience across Tasmania’s agricultural communities.

• →Lead the strategic planning, delivery, and evaluation of the Farm Business Resilience Program across Tasmania.
• →Provide leadership and direction to the program team, ensuring effective coordination, performance, and outcomes.
• →Build and maintain strong partnerships with government, industry, and community stakeholders to support program success.
• →Oversee program governance, reporting, and budget management to ensure compliance and effective resource use.
• →Drive continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring the program responds to emerging sector needs and delivers measurable impact.

­What we’re looking for (Role Specific Skills, Knowledge and Experience):

• →Demonstrated experience in program or project management, ideally within agriculture, natural resource management, or a related field.
• →Proven ability to lead and manage teams, delivering complex programs and achieving strategic outcomes.
• →Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working across government, industry, and community sectors.
• →Experience managing budgets, reporting, and governance requirements for large-scale programs.
• →Highly developed communication and influencing skills, with the ability to operate effectively from executive through to community level.

• Post-graduate degree, or equivalent combination of relevant experience and training, in agribusiness, business, regional development, natural resource management, agricultural extension, education or adult learning.
• A Class ‘C’ Diver Licence valid in Australia.
• A Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) or the willingness to obtain.

Appointment to this role will be at HEO 9 and will have a total remuneration package of up to $160,613 comprising base salary within the range of $130,242 to $137,276 plus 17% superannuation.

Relocation support is available to help you make the move. Tasmania offers a genuine breath of fresh air, with wild landscapes, rugged coastlines, and distinctive regional communities that are deeply connected to agriculture and the environment. You will work at the heart of a thriving agricultural sector, where innovation, sustainability, and community are closely linked. Beyond work, Tasmania offers a relaxed lifestyle with access to world-class food and produce, vibrant cultural experiences such as MONA, and outdoor adventures from mountain biking in Derby to exploring national parks. It’s an opportunity to combine meaningful, place-based work with a more balanced and rewarding way of living.

• To apply online, please provide your CV and 1-2-page cover letter outlining your interest in the role, skills, capabilities and experience.  You do not need to separately address the success profile.
• For further information about this position, please contact Sandra Knowles, Director, TAS Farm Innovation Hub, Sandra.Knowles@utas.edu.au
• Please visit https://www.utas.edu.au/jobs/applying for our guide to applying and details on the recruitment process.
• For current UTAS staff, in submitting your application, you acknowledge you have/intend to discuss your interest in this vacancy with your current manager and understand they may need to be contacted confidentially by the hiring manager as part of the assessment of your application.
• Please refer to the attached Position Description Below for full details.

 Position Description - 503260 - Program Manager - Farm Business Resilience.pdf

As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, employment history and police checks may be conducted as part of the selection process.

To be eligible for this position, you are required to hold Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, permanent residency or a valid visa that enables you to fulfil the requirements of this role.

Advertised: 11 Jun 2026 Tasmania Standard Time
Applications close: 25 Jun 2026 Tasmania Standard Time

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