Senior Manager, Operations

Overview

Graduate Research Unit, Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs

Level 9, $134,332 – $140,696 (pro rata) p.a., plus up to 17% employer superannuation

Part-time (0.5 FTE), fixed-term until December 2026

The Opportunity

In this role as Senior Manager, Operations, you will help lead the operations of the Graduate Research School, shaping team goals and guiding workflows that align with UniSC’s research strategy. As a collective point of expertise on HDR programs, you will provide strategic and operational advice to senior leaders, researchers and professional staff, while ensuring the team can offer accurate and timely guidance. You’ll foster a supportive environment where researchers and HDR candidates can excel, and where your team feels empowered to deliver their best.

We are seeking an incumbent to job-share the role in a fixed-term, part-time capacity until to the end of 2026.

For more information, please visit us online: Graduate Research School

You will

- guide the end-to-end journey of HDR students, from admission through candidature and thesis examination, while overseeing research scholarship operations that support success;
- shape and strengthen the systems that underpin candidature management and research scholarships, ensuring they’re fit for purpose and future-focused; and
- be a trusted source of knowledge and advice on HDR programs, connecting people with the guidance and support they need.

About you

Our ideal candidate is someone who thrives on bringing clarity and direction to complex processes. You’re confident leading teams, shaping policies, and driving projects that keep things moving smoothly, while always looking for smarter, more effective ways of working. You’re comfortable navigating compliance and government frameworks, but just as skilled at building strong relationships across the university and sector. Above all, you take pride in empowering your team to work with independence and confidence, and you enjoy seeing your leadership translate into better experiences for HDR students, researchers and staff.

You will possess

- Experience turning government policy and guidelines into practical approaches that support higher degrees by research.
- Confidence working with information systems, using reporting tools to make sense of HDR candidature data and inform decisions.
- Strong communication skills that help you connect with different audiences, share ideas clearly, and bring people on board.
- A track record of research leadership and deep knowledge of HDR and research development.
- An understanding of the bigger picture in higher education research and the issues shaping the sector.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.

Position description: 493626_position description.pdf

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au

Applications for this position close midnight, Friday 17 October 2025

Your completed application must include:

- a resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description.

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team

We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:

Associate Professor Kate Mulgrew
Dean of Graduate Research and Researcher Development
Telephone: 07 5456 5584
Email: kmulgrew@usc.edu.au

Discover UniSC

We’re all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. We’re not the biggest university. But we’re growing every day, and doing big things. Like ground-breaking research, championing sustainability, producing gold-winning athletes and award-winning alumni.

We’re one of the fastest growing universities in Australia, growing to over 2,000 people across 5 campuses in South East Queensland and growing footprint in major capital cities.

Teaching excellence is at the heart of what we do, and our commitment to sustainability is integrated into our teaching, research, and daily operations. Our research tackles the most pressing challenges of our time, with 13 research fields ranked well above world standard, characterised by evidence of outstanding performance according to the Excellence Research for Australia Rankings. At UniSC you will have the opportunity to contribute to the educational landscape for future generations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment, encouraging continuous professional development and providing resources to enhance your career. We recognise and value the contributions of each team member to our culture and success. We/'re not afraid to be different, and we/'re looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team that is working together to improve our local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits

- Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
- Modern teaching & research facilities.
- Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
- We are a proud recipient of the Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
- Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
- Salary packing options + 17% Super.
- EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.

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