Manager, Pre-Award – Research Grants & Contracts

The Opportunity

• Fast-paced exciting environment
• Hybrid/flexible work arrangements
• Full-time (35 hours week) Continuing permanent role.
• Level 8 - $127351 - $% super leave loading

Research Grants and Contracts (RGC) within the Division of Research and Enterprise contributes to UNSWs research performance and profile via the effective management of the Universitys research income. RGC is the key link between UNSW researchers executive and funding agencies such as the NHMRC ARC other government and non-government research funders philanthropic competitive grant funders and industry partners. The RGC teams are a crucial component in the universitys ongoing strategy to increase knowledge exchange. Each year the RGC manages more than 2200 applications and 7000 ongoing projects on behalf of UNSW supporting more than 2000 UNSW academics.

As Manager Pre-Award you will be responsible for enhancing the structure within the team by refining and documenting existing processes. Your focus will be on streamlining pre-award workflows improving consistency and supporting the team through the implementation of best practices. You will also lead the day-to-day management of a team of four direct reports committed to delivering high-quality customer service to the University in the pre-award space including competitive grant and tender applications.

Reporting to the Associate Director Research Grants and Contracts youll collaborate closely with colleagues across the Division of Research & Enterprise to ensure a cohesive and effective approach and may oversee short-term project officers during major grant rounds. Please note during peak periods such as ARC and NHMRC grant rounds you may be required to work outside standard business hours.

The Organisation

UNSW isnt like other places youve worked. Yes were a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isnt only what we do its how we do it. Together we are driven to be thoughtful practical and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. Its the reason were Australias number one university for impact and among the nations Top 20 employers.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to UNSW benefits including:

• Hybrid/Flexible working
• Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
• Access to lifelong learning and career development
• Progressive HR practices
• Discounts and entitlements
• Affordable on-campus parking

About the successful applicant

You bring a relevant tertiary qualification and or substantial experience in research support within the higher education sector specifically in managing competitive grant applications.

You can demonstrate your in-depth knowledge of the Australian higher education landscape and the national and international research funding environment and have proven ability to manage and deliver high-quality projects while effectively balancing competing deadlines and your strong interpersonal negotiation and relationship-building skills enable you to manage complex stakeholder relationships with confidence.

You can also demonstrate your ability to provide management in a service delivery customer focussed environment including capacity to manage the workload of a highly effective and efficient team.

Youll have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development and implementation of team-based operational plans and are committed to continuous improvement. Your approach includes proactively identifying and implementing creative effective solutions to enhance workflows service delivery and quality assurance. Youll also provide sound advice on grant budgets and support the ongoing use and development of the UNSW pricing tool.

Your work aligns with UNSWs values policies and strategic objectives and you demonstrate a clear understanding of health and safety responsibilities including psychosocial and physical wellbeing supported by your commitment to relevant training.

To Apply: Please submit your CV Cover Letter and Response to Skills and Experience required nominated in the Position Description via the APPLY button.

Contact: Shiree Thomas Talent Acquisition Consultant E:

Applications close: 11.55pm Wednesday 23^rd July 2025

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds those living with disabilities members of the LGBTIQ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

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