Manager, Major Research Initiatives (Melbourne)

About the Role Manager, Major Research Initiatives at Swinburne University. Full‑time, ongoing position at Hawthorn campus. HEW Level 8 salary + 17 % super and staff benefits. The Research Grants and Contracts team seeks a highly experienced manager to lead the delivery of research management and operational support for Swinburne’s largest and strategically important research initiatives. Responsibilities
- Support a defined portfolio of high‑value, complex, reputationally important, multi‑party research awards such as ARC Centres of Excellence, ARC Industrial Transformation Program, Australian Government funded projects, Cooperative Research Centres, State Government projects and other industry consortia.
- Manage the full grants lifecycle, including pre‑award activities (bid preparation, budget analysis, compliance checks, certification processes, drafting and reviewing proposals, coordinating stakeholder inputs) and post‑award administration (monitoring, reporting and alignment with funding body guidelines).
- Provide tailored project management advice, guidance and support for the establishment, monitoring, reporting and post‑award administration of major research projects.
- Deliver expert advice and strategic recommendations to inform key business decisions and develop and implement processes, workflows and systems to manage major research projects from pre‑award planning through to completion.
- Collaborate closely with research project leaders, Swinburne Research Services teams and colleagues in Schools/centres, Commercialisation and Innovation units to support successful project delivery. Qualifications and Experience
- Substantial experience in complex program or research management, including expert strategic advice, reporting and consulting.
- Demonstrable experience in project management, evaluation and/or contract management, with a relevant project management qualification.
- Highly developed planning and organisational skills, with experience establishing priorities, allocating resources and meeting deadlines.
- Excellent relationship‑management and consultation skills, with the ability to engage senior management and negotiate with a variety of stakeholders.
- Highly developed analytical and conceptual skills, with demonstrated ability to assimilate new concepts and deliver creative solutions.
- Advanced computer literacy, particularly with current business management software packages.
- Postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of experience, education and training.
- Progress toward accreditation through the Australasian Research Management Society is preferred. Additional Information Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children Check. Applications close on Friday, 12 June 2026 at 11:30 pm. Swinburne is an equal opportunity employer. We invite applications from diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and we support applicants with disabilities. Reasonable adjustments can be requested during the recruitment process. #J-18808-Ljbffr Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3rrr30