Higher Research Degree Manager

• Full-time, continuing position, located on the Darlington Campus at the Faculty of Engineering
• Opportunity to operationalise the Faculty's HDR strategy to enhance the HDR student experience and ensure academic and operational excellence
• Base Salary $146,197 - $154,260 p.a (HEO9) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Engineering is inviting applications for the position of Higher Research Degree Manager who will lead the operations for the entire student lifecycle and especially the enhancement of the HDR student experience by providing strategic direction, managing candidature processes, and overseeing administrative operations. they will work autonomously to resolve complex issues, offer expert advice, and drive continuous improvement in line with university standards.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• provide operational leadership to enhance the HDR student experience, including setting standards for support and candidature management
• manage and innovate HDR activities by setting benchmarks for excellence and driving ongoing improvements
• optimise HDR candidature management and administrative operations to align with university standards
• offer expert advice on complex HDR issues to support informed decision-making within the faculty
• collaborate with stakeholders across teams to promote engagement and deliver joint initiatives
• oversee staff performance, development, and resource allocation to ensure efficient service delivery
• support reporting, compliance, and risk management efforts while maintaining workplace health and safety.

About you

The University values courage and creativity, openness and engagement, inclusion and diversity, and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for an Higher Research Degree Manager who is:

• experienced in a relevant field or possess an equivalent combination of training and experience
• experienced in administration within tertiary education and delivery of higher degree research programs
• skilled in people management, including staff performance, development, and team leadership
• strong ability to communicate effectively, with proven strengths in negotiation, influencing, and customer service
• highly competent in analytical thinking, problem solving, and decision making
• proficient in planning, organising, and managing projects, with a focus on continuous improvement
• confident in using CRM systems and technology to support operations and apply policy effectively.

Work Rights

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

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

If you are a current employee of the University or a contingent worker with access to Workday, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Shubhi Dhaka, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources at

The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Monday 15 September :59 PM