Coordinator - Research Grants

Role overview

CQUniversity’s Office of Research is looking for an experienced leader to manage the university’s research grants operations. The position supports academic staff in securing competitive funding and ensures research activities remain aligned with funding agreements and contract obligations.

This continuing full-time position is classified at Higher Education Worker Level 8 and can be based at CQUniversity Adelaide, Cairns, Mackay, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney, or Townsville. The total remuneration package is $139,486 to $154,893 per year, which includes a base salary of $117,868 to $130,887 plus 17% superannuation and leave loading.

Working at CQUniversity means joining an organisation grounded in the belief that quality education, training and research should be accessible to everyone, no matter their background, location or circumstances.

What you will do

In this role, you will lead a high-performing grants team and provide specialist guidance across grant preparation, research contract work, and post-award administration. You will also be responsible for negotiating research agreements and collaborating with funding agencies, partner organisations and researchers to help deliver strong research outcomes.

You will contribute to increasing research income by spotting funding prospects, building researcher capability through training and development, and improving the efficiency of grants processes and reporting. The role also involves helping shape research policy, maintaining accurate grant information in Research Master, and keeping web content and internal procedures current and compliant.

This is a strong opportunity for a collaborative leader who brings excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation capability and wants to play a meaningful part in CQUniversity’s research success.

Benefits and rewards

• Employer superannuation contribution of 17%, with the option to join a recognised award-winning super fund.
• 5.4 weeks of annual leave, plus 3 paid working days during the Christmas and New Year shutdown period.
• 10 days of personal/sick leave and an additional 5 days of carer’s leave.
• 7.25 hours of engaged service leave.
• Access to strong professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Access to an employee assistance program and Fitness Passport.

Selection criteria

• Substantial experience in research grants administration, including application support, contract negotiation, contract management, post-award processes and compliance in a large or complex organisation.
• Proven capability in team leadership and management, including performance management, workload planning, skill development and building a service-focused culture.
• Experience in managing change, driving continuous improvement, and introducing better systems, reporting and processes to improve efficiency, governance and service delivery.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and work effectively with researchers, senior leaders, funding bodies and external partners.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability and risk management skills, with confidence in resolving complex matters and supporting informed decisions.
• Solid understanding of research funding policies, compliance obligations, budgets, contracts and governance requirements.
• Postgraduate study in a relevant field is desirable, or an equivalent mix of education, training and relevant experience.

Application details

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 28 June 2026. The job requisition ID is 7373.

Please submit a current CV or resume and a 1–2 page cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and suitability for the role.

For further information, contact Jessica Suna at [email protected].

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role. Applicants must already have unrestricted work rights in Australia to be considered.

CQUniversity is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as CQUniversity’s domestic and international student graduates with post-study work rights, are encouraged to apply.

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Additional information

Keywords associated with this role include Research Grants Manager, Research Funding Manager, Grants Manager Higher Education, Research Administration Manager, Post Award Grants Manager, Pre Award Grants Manager, Research Contracts Manager, Senior Grants Officer, Research Development Manager, Funding and Compliance Manager, Research Operations Manager, Research Services Manager, Research Support Manager, Academic Grants Coordinator, and Higher Education Grants Coordinator.