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.

Through its Supercharging Research at Griffith (SuRG) program, Griffith University is focussing investments and implementing new structures to support our researchers to perform great research and achieve successful outcomes in an increasingly competitive sector. As part of this, we have established a Major Research Funding Framework that supports the identification, development and pursuit of major research opportunities where external investment will be required. These major research opportunities profile the University’s research capability and expertise and contribute to the achievement of the University’s Strategic and Research and Innovation Plans. The Framework is managed through and under the direction of the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research (DVCR).

The Strategic Manager, Major Research Funding is a key leader, reporting directly to the DVCR, with strategic oversight and responsibility for continuing to grow Griffith’s research activity, partnerships, and impact through major research opportunities. Working with Griffith’s Academic Groups, Office for Research and its Research Development team, Griffith Enterprise, and Griffith’s Industry and External Engagement team, the Strategic Manager, Major Research Funding ensures effective operation of the University’s Major Research Funding Framework including the development of high-quality major research funding applications.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Forge and maintain strong partnerships with major funders, particularly government, which are aligned to Griffith’s research strengths ensuring they are aware of and contributing to the University’s major research funding bids.
• Provide strategic insights, analysis, advice and guidance to the University around funders’ and governments’ emerging research needs and opportunities.
• Strengthen foundational support for researchers and research teams through the Major Research Funding Framework to mount competitive proposals by ensuring effective delivery of training, guidance materials and other resources that convey the expectations, performance standards, processes, and key stages for major funding proposals.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of a rolling multi-year plan for major research bids (primarily focused on contestable funding programs operated by the ARC and NHMRC), identifying immediate and longer-term opportunities, informing institutional readiness and decisions around resourcing and planning, and setting realistic targets for the number of major research proposals for which Griffith can successfully lead and partner on.
• Represent the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) and other senior executives and researchers in meetings with external partners.
• Work in partnership with the Research Development team in the Office for Research to ensure active management of the University’s pipeline of major research funding opportunities and the development of highly competitive applications.

About you
The successful candidate will hold postgraduate research qualifications and have extensive relevant experience in the development of major bids and managing relationships with government funding bodies and prospective partners, or an equivalent combination of relevant skills, knowledge and/or training/education.

You will also have:

• proven experience in working on large-scale research initiatives, preferably in a university, research institute, or government setting
• extensive knowledge of relevant research funding policies and an expert understanding of the national and international research funding environments
• extensive networks in relevant sectors, including government, industry, and funding agencies and experience working within multiple universities/institutions/agencies
• excellent strategic planning skills and an ability to work agilely in a changing environment
• superior project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• ability to work in productive partnership with a wide range of stakeholders to achieve goals
• outstanding negotiation and consultation skills
• excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports and proposals, and deliver presentations, to the highest professional standards
• proficiency in data analysis and research performance metrics.

What we can offer
This is a fixed term (5 years), full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site university, you will 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
A competitive salary package will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

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

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• 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
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme

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. 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 for the duration of this appointment.  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 Professor Lee Smith, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) at dvcr@griffith.edu.au.

For application support, please contact People Services on (07) 373 54011 and quote reference number REF7350T.

Closing date: Sunday, 6 April 2025 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.