Manager, Pre-Award

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

As part of the Pre-Award management team, you will lead a team of Grants Officers dedicated to supporting researchers to secure competitive research funding. This is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for managing daily operations, overseeing service delivery, and contributing to the strategic direction of the broader function.

You will work closely with peers and senior staff across the Research Office and University to ensure coordinated, consistent and forward-looking support. The role requires sound judgement, strong operational oversight, and the ability to lead with clarity, focus and a solutions-oriented mindset.

This position combines collaborative leadership, high-quality service delivery, and team development. It operates in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where a calm, well-structured approach, strong planning skills, and a positive, forward-looking mindset are key to success.

Key responsibilities will include:

Lead a team of Grants Officers, providing direction, coaching, and oversight to ensure high-quality pre-award services aligned with University priorities.

Plan and coordinate support for grant rounds, staying informed on funding landscape developments and acting as the escalation point for complex applications.

Build strong partnerships with researchers, academic leaders, and professional staff to deliver strategic, consistent, and responsive service.

Drive continuous improvement by streamlining processes, contributing to data-driven planning, and supporting strategic initiatives and reviews.

About UQ

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 26 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

About You

We ask that you are a confident and experienced leader with a strong operational focus and a history of delivering high-quality, reliable services in complex settings. You will bring clarity, structure and energy to your work, and thrive as part of a collaborative leadership group. We're also looking for someone who brings:

A relevant degree with extensive experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience in technical or administrative fields.

Proven experience in research administration or management, including strategic advice, project coordination, reporting, and familiarity with the Australian research funding landscape.

Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and develop staff, motivating teams to meet objectives aligned with university priorities.

Excellent communication skills and a strong track record in stakeholder engagement.

A proactive and organised approach to planning, service delivery, and process improvement.

Demonstrated success in using data and continuous improvement strategies to enhance the efficiency of policies, processes, or systems.

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. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.

Questions?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Rylie Moran, Senior Manager, Pre-Award at r.moran@uq.edu.au .

For application queries, please contact talent@uq.edu.au stating the job reference number (below)in the subject line.

Want to Apply?

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

Other Information

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 18 August 2025, at 11.00pm AEST (R-54392). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for the week of 25th August 2025.

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