The Opportunity
- Fast-paced, exciting environment
- Hybrid/flexible work arrangements
- Full-time (35 hours week), Continuing, permanent role.
- Level 8 - $127,351 - $143,488 + 17% super + leave loading
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 income. RGC is the key link between UNSW researchers, executive and funding agencies such as the NHMRC, ARC, other government and non-government research funders, philanthropic competitive grant funders and industry partners. The RGC teams are a crucial component in the university’s ongoing strategy to increase knowledge exchange. Each year the RGC manages more than 2,200 applications and 7,000 ongoing projects on behalf of UNSW, supporting more than 2,000 UNSW academics.
As Manager, Pre-Award, you will be responsible for enhancing the structure within the team by refining and documenting existing processes. Your focus will be on streamlining pre-award workflows, improving consistency, and supporting the team through the implementation of best practices. You will also lead the day-to-day management of a team of four direct reports committed to delivering high-quality customer service to the University in the pre-award space, including competitive grant and tender applications.
Reporting to the Associate Director, Research Grants and Contracts, you’ll collaborate closely with colleagues across the Division of Research & Enterprise to ensure a cohesive and effective approach and may oversee short-term project officers during major grant rounds. Please note, during peak periods such as ARC and NHMRC grant rounds, you may be required to work outside standard business hours.
The Organisation
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. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. 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 Australia’s number one university for impact and among the nation’s Top 20 employers.
Benefits and Culture:
UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to UNSW benefits including:
- Hybrid/Flexible working
- Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
- Access to lifelong learning and career development
- Progressive HR practices
- Discounts and entitlements
- Affordable on-campus parking
About the successful applicant
You bring a relevant tertiary qualification and or substantial experience in research support within the higher education sector, specifically in managing competitive grant applications.
You can demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of the Australian higher education landscape and the national and international research funding environment and have proven ability to manage and deliver high-quality projects while effectively balancing competing deadlines, and your strong interpersonal, negotiation, and relationship-building skills enable you to manage complex stakeholder relationships with confidence.
You can also demonstrate your ability to provide management in a service delivery, customer focussed environment, including capacity to manage the workload of a highly effective and efficient team.
You’ll have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development and implementation of team-based operational plans and are committed to continuous improvement. Your approach includes proactively identifying and implementing creative, effective solutions to enhance workflows, service delivery, and quality assurance. You’ll also provide sound advice on grant budgets and support the ongoing use and development of the UNSW pricing tool.
Your work aligns with UNSW’s values, policies, and strategic objectives, and you demonstrate a clear understanding of health and safety responsibilities, including psychosocial and physical wellbeing, supported by your commitment to relevant training.
To Apply: Please submit your CV, Cover Letter and Response to Skills and Experience required nominated in the Position Description via the APPLY button.
Contact: Shiree Thomas, Talent Acquisition Consultant E: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au
Applications close: 11.55pm, Wednesday 23rd July 2025
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.
