Manager, Awards

Base salary will be in the range $115,645- $129,654+ 17% Superannuation (HEW Level 8)

Are you ready to lead a team committed to supporting groundbreaking research at one of Australia's leading University's? The Manager (Awards) role at UQ presents an exciting opportunity for an accomplished professional in research administration to make a significant impact on the post-award lifecycle of competitive research projects. In this pivotal role, you'll oversee the comprehensive management of research grants – from agreement preparation/negotiation and compliance to liaising with funding providers and ensuring seamless project variations and reporting.

As Manager (Awards), you will be at the forefront of high-quality service delivery, working closely with UQ researchers and funding partners to enable impactful research outcomes. This role requires a proactive leader who brings subject matter expertise, outstanding customer service, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. You'll guide and mentor a dedicated team, champion continuous improvement in business practices, and foster collaborative relationships across UQ and beyond.

If you possess a sophisticated understanding of the research funding landscape, have honed contract negotiation skills an aptitude for navigating complex regulatory environments, and a passion for leadership and innovation, we invite you to bring your expertise to this unique opportunity at UQ's Research Office.

Key responsibilities will include:

Lead and mentor a team of staff to ensure effective management of the post-award lifecycle, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritises high-quality service delivery and continuous improvement.

Oversee the preparation, review, and execution of grant agreements, ensuring compliance with UQ policies and the specific requirements of funding providers while facilitating project variations and managing timely project reporting.

Effectively negotiate research agreements ensuring terms align with UQ's policies whilst maintain strong relationships to support successful research collaborations and long-term partnerships.

Build and maintain strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including researchers, funding providers, and institutional colleagues, to ensure alignment of goals and to enhance the delivery of customer-focused post-award services.

Provide expert advice on contractual matters and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and university policies, while contributing to policy development, governance, and performance reporting initiatives within the Research Office.

As part of the UQ community, you will have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world.

Everyone here has a role to play. As a member of our professional staff cohort, you will be actively involved in working towards our vision of a better world. By supporting the academic endeavour across teaching, research, and the student life, you will have the opportunity to contribute to activities that have a lasting impact on our community.

Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available, such as:

26 weeks paid parental leave or 14 weeks paid primary caregiver leave

17% superannuation contributions

17.5% annual leave loading

Access to flexible working arrangements including hybrid working options, flexible start/finish times, purchased leave, and a condensed fortnight

Health and wellness discounts – fitness passport access, free yearly flu vaccinations, discounted health insurance, and access to our Employee Assistance Program for staff and their immediate family

UQ Study for Staff

Affordable parking (from just $6.15 a day)

Salary packaging options

Extensive experience in research administration, preferably within the higher education sector, with a strong understanding of the competitive research funding landscape.

Exceptional leadership abilities, effectively managing and developing staff while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

Excellent negotiation and influencing skills, enabling engagement with diverse internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Strong understanding of intellectual property and confidence in reviewing and negotiating Agreements.

Proven track record of managing high-volume workloads in complex regulatory environments, ensuring timely and efficient service delivery.

Strong aptitude for data interpretation and analytical problem solving, with the ability to identify challenges and recommend effective solutions.

Ability to communicate with clarity and precision, producing high quality documentation and reports that meet the standards of a highly educated audience.

The successful candidate may be required to complete a number of pre-employment checks, including right to work in Australia and a criminal check.

You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Amelie Wilkinson | Senior Manager, Awards at a.chadwick@uq.edu.au . For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below)in the subject line.

All applicants must upload the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

Cover letter summarising how your background aligns to the 'About You' section

Resume

UQ is committed to a fair, equitable and inclusive selection process, which recognises that some applicants may face additional barriers and challenges which have impacted and/or continue to impact their career trajectory. Candidates who don't meet all criteria are encouraged to apply and demonstrate their potential. The selection panel considers both potential and performance relative to opportunities when assessing suitability for the role.

We know one of our strengths as an institution lies in our diverse colleagues. We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion , fostering an environment that mirrors our wider community. We're committed to attracting, retaining, and promoting diverse talent. Reach out to talent@uq.edu.au for accessibility support or adjustments.

Applications close Monday 25 August at 11:00pm AEST (R-54259). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for Monday 1 September 2025.