Executive Officer

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.

Griffith was created to be a different type of university.  You'll find we're about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you'll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

The Griffith Graduate Research School (GGRS) is the dedicated point of contact for the administration of all Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates and governs the strategic direction for the HDR agenda at Griffith University. The GGRS works closely with academic and professional areas in maintaining quality standards of HDR recruitment, admission, candidature and scholarship management, and examination.

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for driving excellence in graduate research? We are seeking a dynamic and highly organised Executive Officer to support the leadership of the Griffith Graduate Research School. In this pivotal role, you will work closely with senior academic and administrative stakeholders to deliver high-impact initiatives, streamline operations, and enhance the experience of HDR candidates across the university. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a vibrant research community and help shape the future of graduate education at Griffith.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead strategic data initiatives and programs of work that inform and influence decision-making on HDR governance and compliance.
• Provide high-level secretariat support to the Board of Graduate Research and its sub-committees.
• Initiate and manage strategic communication on behalf of the Dean, manage requests for information, and maintain records to ensure effective communication and dissemination to and from a diversity of HDR portfolio stakeholders.
• Design and lead strategic communication initiatives across the HDR portfolio, including stakeholder engagement strategies and delivery of key messaging, including through online meetings and in person workshops.

About you

The successful candidate will have a relevant tertiary qualification and have subsequent relevant experience in the tertiary education environment, or have an equivalent combination of relevant skills, knowledge and experience.

You will also have:

• Proven experience in providing high-level strategic advice and contributing to the development of policy, procedures, and reporting frameworks within a university or similarly complex environment.
• Extensive experience in providing secretariat support to high-level committees, including agenda preparation, briefing coordination, and oversight of governance actions. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage strategic communications on behalf of senior leadership. 
• Demonstrated capability in managing purchasing, asset coordination, and financial acquittals, including corporate card reconciliations. 

What we can offer

This is a continuing, full-time position and will be primarily based at Griffith University Gold Coast or Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University's campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range

The full-time base salary for a HEW Level 7 is in the range $101,068 - $109,496 per annum, plus 17% employer superannuation. The total package is in the range $118,249 - $128,110 per annum.

Why Griffith?

As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply

At Griffith, we're committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you're from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith's Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Professor Rebecca Ford, Dean, Griffith Graduate Research School,  at [email protected]

For application support, please contact People Services on and quote reference number REF8319H.

Closing date:  Monday, 25 August 2025 at 11.59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.