Director, Research Operations, MMIHR

Campus Location:Melbourne, Australia | North Sydney, AustraliaJob No: APTAV101331#056Lead strategic and operational initiatives at a prestigious health research instituteDrive impactful collaborations across diverse academic and professional landscapesShape the future of health research with a focus on human flourishingAbout Our ClientAustralian Catholic University (ACU) is guided by Catholic intellectual tradition in the pursuit of knowledge, dignity and the common good. It is recognised globally, ranking in the top two per cent of universities worldwide and among the top 10 Catholic universities. With campuses across Australia and in Rome, Italy, the university welcoms individuals from all faiths and traditions.ACU is dedicated to transforming lives and communities through education that challenges students to solve real-world problems and develop strong professional ethics. It prides itself on a culture that values character, enthusiasm, and dedication, with a strategic vision aimed at achieving high-quality service excellence. The university's research initiatives are designed to address societal challenges, with a focus on human dignity and the common good. This new role has been established as part of the university's strategic vision to enhance its research impact and operational excellence.About The OpportunityThe Director, Research Operations is expected to be a highly experienced and motivated leader, adept at operating at a strategic level across a complex organisation to deliver research impact. Reporting to the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Director, Research Operations plays a key leadership role within the Mary McKillop Institute for Health Research (MMIHR) and has responsibility in close partnership with the MMIHR Director and Centre Directors, to facilitate the development and delivery of the operational plans of the Institute. The role offers opportunities to influence strategic outcomes, lead high-performing teams, and foster collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will contribute to the institute's strategic vision and lead key initiatives that support the university's mission.You'll lead a multi-discipline team in a collegiate environment with the following responsibilities:Lead and inspire a high-performing team, modelling ACU's Mission, values, and Strategic Plan Vision 2033.Build and sustain strong relationships with Centre Directors, stakeholders, partners and government bodies.Provide strategic, operational, policy, and business advice to guide Institute success.Identify, design, and implement new initiatives, projects and policy developments.Drive innovative approaches to service delivery and manage diverse expectations.Oversee development, monitoring and delivery of business plans with effective risk and change management.Ensure robust governance, financial and operational systems are in place and compliant.Review and report on key risks, trends and sensitive issues, providing analysis and guidance.Represent the Institute and Faculty across internal and external committees, forums, and activities.Ensure compliance with legislation, contracts, funding requirements and university policies.Streamline processes, implement quality management and promote best practice.Oversee recruitment, training, performance and career development of staff.Manage financial operations, including budgets (> $6M), forecasting and sustainable funding models.Monitor project budgets, contracts and infrastructure utilisation for compliance and efficiency.Collaborate across university portfolios and faculties to strengthen partnerships and outcomes.About YouWe are seeking motivated professionals with:A postgraduate degree, or equivalent qualifications and/or experience in a similar role in a large and/or complex organisation.Demonstrated experience leading and managing staff, with an ability to inspire a collaborative, efficient and cooperative work environment.Previous experience and proven success in effectively managing the human and physical resources of a large or complex function or work unit.Extensive experience and proven success in the oversight of financial management including management accounting, budget preparation, account monitoring, financial reconciliation, with the ability disseminate such information to a variety of stakeholders.Demonstrated track record in leading strategic and operational planning.Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities, developing and implementing new ideas, willing to meet new challenges and to lead teams through change.Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, with the ability to initiate and maintain excellent working relationships, negotiate and influence senior staff within the Institute and external partners.Proven ability to exercise autonomous judgment, to shape the formulation of policy and to direct its implementation.Demonstrate confidence and courage in achieving ACU's mission and values by connecting the purpose of one's work to ACU's mission and values.To apply for this opportunity, please email your CV and cover letter to For further information, please email us at If you'd like to have a confidential discussion prior to applying,please call Jodee Engeman on or Applications close: Sunday 26 October 2025.ACU is not accepting candidate applications submitted through this portal.Learn more about Athena Swan