• Research Grants and Contracts is a dynamic and constantly evolving function, offering a diverse leadership role where no two days are the same.
• First time this role has become available in ~5 years.
• Well suited to an experienced professional leader motivated by building high-performing teams and strengthening sustainable, scalable functions.
• Continuing (permanent) role offering flexible/hybrid working including a 9-day fortnight option
• 148,012-$157,056 + 17% super + 17.5% leave loading

About UNSW:

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 20 universities in the world (QS top 20) and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Why Your Role Matters:

Research Grants and Contracts (RGC) within the Division of Research and Enterprise contributes to UNSW’s research performance and profile via the effective management of the University’s research funding. RGC is the key link between UNSW researchers, executive and funding agencies such as the National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Research Council, other government and nongovernment research funders, philanthropic competitive grant funders and industry partners. The RGC teams are a crucial component in the UNSW Strategy; Progress for All.

In this role, you’ll work in partnership with another Senior Manager to lead and develop a team of managers and officers. It’s a genuinely hands-on position, where you’ll be actively contributing to the day-to-day workload of the team while providing clear, supportive leadership.  You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to strategic planning - shaping and improving policies, procedures, and operational processes.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Research Grants and Contracts, you’ll lead a team of up to five direct reports and influence how the team delivers its work and supports the research community.

Who You Are:

You bring strong experience across all aspects of post-award grants management, with a solid understanding of the Australian higher education and research funding environment. You have experience leading and supporting teams in service-focused settings and are comfortable navigating risk, contract execution, and the post-award management of both competitive and contract research grants.

You are also known for your practical, solutions-focused approach, with a demonstrated ability to improve workflows, service delivery, and quality through innovative ideas. Your contribution to strategic planning and policy development is grounded and practical, helping translate high-level objectives into clear and effective operational and team plans. 

Benefits and Culture:

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:

• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to career development opportunities
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)
• Affordable on-site parking  

How to Apply:

Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Please submit your CV, cover letter and responses to each of the Skills and Experience detailed in the Position Description, online before Thursday 29^th January at 11:55pm. A copy of the Position Description can be on JOBS@UNSW.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks: -

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Contact: Shiree Thomas, Talent Acquisition Partner e: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

Please apply through the application portal and not via the contact above.

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.