Manager, Academic Group Research Development

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Griffith University is seeking a Manager, Academic Group Research Development to provide strategic leadership of the SRDO function across Academic Groups and Institutes, ensuring alignment with institutional research priorities and funding strategies while delivering high quality support for grants, consultancy and collaborative opportunities. This full‑time, on‑site role based at Nathan requires proven leadership of distributed teams, the ability to offer high level strategic advice to senior researchers, and a track record of advancing major funding initiatives through interdisciplinary partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will typically hold postgraduate qualifications with extensive relevant experience; a PhD is highly regarded and knowledge of the Australian funding landscape is desirable. To apply, tailor your covering letter to address the About you criteria and demonstrate how you have shaped funding strategies and collaborations, include a current CV, reference the position description, and ensure you meet unrestricted working rights. Close date is 20 July 2026 at 11.59pm AEST; for inquiries contact Lynette Farquhar or Theresa Burke.

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university.  You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Job Description

The Office for Research delivers professional research support services with functions spanning key infrastructure and facilities, grants, development, ethics and integrity, policy, performance and reporting. Griffith University is one of Australia’s largest universities. It is research intensive, inclusive, innovative, progressive, deeply engaged in the Asia-Pacific region, and committed to ensuring it contributes to society through research that provides social dividends.

The Manager, Academic Group Research Development provides strategic leadership of Griffith University’s research development support model, overseeing the Senior Research Development Officer (SRDO) function across Academic Groups and Institutes. Reporting to the Deputy Director – Research Services, the role drives alignment with institutional research priorities, funding strategies and Office for Research objectives, while ensuring a consistent, high-quality approach to research development support.

The position leads and develops the SRDO team, fostering collaboration, capability and performance, while also contributing directly to major funding initiatives, strategic research opportunities and cross-University projects. Working closely with stakeholders across the Office for Research, Griffith Enterprise and Academic Groups, the role strengthens the University’s research performance by enhancing the development and success of competitive grant, consultancy and commercial research opportunities.

Key responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Leadership and Management of the SRDO function
• Lead and coordinate research development activities across Academic Groups and Institutes, driving collaboration, process improvement and the effective delivery of funding and research development support services.
• Provide strategic research development leadership and expert advice to support funding strategies, major grant initiatives, and research opportunities across Academic Groups and Institutes.
• Foster interdisciplinary and external partnerships, identifying and advancing collaborative opportunities with academic, industry, government and international stakeholders to enhance research funding and strategic outcomes.
• Act as a key liaison for Academic Groups and Institutes, building strategic stakeholder relationships, representing Research Services, and ensuring alignment of research development activities with institutional priorities.

About you
The successful candidate will have completion of postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience, or a combination of relevant knowledge, training and or extensive experience in higher education, research, industry or government. The completion of a PhD will be highly regarded.

You will also have:

• Demonstrated experience leading and coordinating research development services, including the delivery of funding support, strategic initiatives and continuous improvement activities within a complex organisation.
• Proven ability to provide high-level strategic advice to senior leaders and researchers on research funding opportunities, grant strategy, partnerships and research development initiatives.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience building capability, fostering collaboration and driving high performance within distributed or multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and developing research funding opportunities, including major grants, interdisciplinary initiatives and collaborations with industry, government and international partners.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to build productive partnerships and influence outcomes across diverse internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Strong organisational, analytical and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate complex initiatives and deliver outcomes aligned with strategic objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organisational boundaries, ensuring alignment of activities with institutional priorities, research strategies and funding goals.

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Australian research funding landscape, including major competitive funding schemes, research policy and research performance frameworks.
• Experience working within a university, research-intensive or higher education environment.

What we can offer
This is a continuing, full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range
The full-time base salary for a HEW Level 9 is in the range $137,165 - $142,070 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total FTE package is in the range $160,483 - $166,222 per annum.

Additional Information

Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Lynette Farquhar, Deputy Director, Research Services at [email protected].

For further application and recruitment advice, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected].

Closing date: Monday, 20 July 2026 at 11.59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.