Coordinator - Research Grants

Role overview

CQUniversity is hiring a full-time, continuing Coordinator for Research Grants within the Office of Research. The position is classified at Higher Education Worker Level 8 and can be based at Adelaide, Cairns, Mackay, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney, or Townsville.

This role carries total remuneration of $139,486 to $154,893 per annum, which includes a base salary of $117,868 to $130,887 plus 17% superannuation and leave loading.

CQUniversity promotes access to quality education, training, and research for people from all backgrounds, locations, and life circumstances.

What you will do

You will take a strategic lead on the university’s research grants function, helping academic staff secure competitive funding while ensuring all funding agreements and research contracts are properly managed and compliant.

The role involves guiding and developing a high-performing grants team, offering specialist support for grant applications, research contracts, and post-award administration. You will also handle research contract negotiations and work closely with funding agencies, partner organisations, and researchers to deliver strong research outcomes.

You will help increase research income by spotting funding opportunities, building researcher capability through training, improving grant systems and reporting, contributing to research policy work, keeping grant records accurate in Research Master, and ensuring web content and internal procedures stay up to date and compliant.

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 closure
• 10 days of personal/sick leave and 5 days of carer’s leave
• 7.25 hours of engaged service leave
• Strong opportunities for professional growth and career development
• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave
• Access to an employee assistance program and Fitness Passport

Position requirements

• Substantial experience in research grants management, including application support, contract negotiation, contract administration, post-award processes, and compliance in a complex organisation.
• Demonstrated success in leading teams, including performance management, assigning workloads, developing capability, and building a service-focused culture.
• Proven ability to manage change, drive continuous improvement, and introduce better processes, systems, and reporting for greater efficiency, governance, and service delivery.
• Well-developed communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and work collaboratively with researchers, senior leaders, funding bodies, and external partners.
• Strong analytical ability, problem-solving skills, and risk management capability to resolve complex issues and support decision-making.
• Sound knowledge of research funding policies, compliance obligations, budgets, contracts, and governance requirements.
• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field are desirable, or an equivalent mix of education, training, and relevant experience.

Additional information

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

To apply, submit a current CV or resume along with a 1–2 page cover letter outlining your relevant skills, experience, and suitability for the role.

For further details about the position, refer to the position description.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment. Applicants must have full work rights in Australia.

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

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.