"HDR Engagement and Partnerships Manager"

Position Details

• Fixed Term until 30 September 2026 I Full Time (0.8FTE Negotiable).
• Higher Education Officer Level 8 | $113,677 - $125,848 pa | 17% Super
• View Position Description
• Location: Bedford Park / Kaurna Country

About the Role:

The HDR Engagement and Partnerships Manager, reporting to the Office of Graduate Research (OGR), leads the planning, development, and delivery of strategic industry and international research collaborations that provide internship, cotutelle, and other research and training opportunities for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students. This role ensures consistent, high-quality student experiences while meeting University regulatory and reporting requirements.

The HDR Engagement and Partnerships Manager will:

• Lead the planning, development, and management of HDR industry and international engagement initiatives, including internships, cotutelle arrangements, and scholarship opportunities.
• Develop, negotiate, and oversee strategic agreements, contracts, and funding applications, ensuring alignment with University priorities and compliance frameworks.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enhance HDR research training, industry partnerships, and international collaborations.
• Represent the University at HDR-related events, forums, and delegations, promoting research capability and strengthening institutional partnerships.
• Manage complex HDR student cases, including conflict resolution, intellectual property, and compliance with policies and legal frameworks.

About You

You are a strategic and proactive professional with extensive experience in project management, business development, and developing innovative partnerships. You bring a strong ability to identify opportunities and work across complex stakeholder environments, acting as a connector between industry, academia, and external partners to drive meaningful collaborations. You have a solid understanding of higher education, international research collaboration, and student engagement, and are highly organised with excellent communication and negotiation skills, capable of managing complex and sensitive matters with discretion.

You demonstrate:

• Proven ability to develop innovative collaborations with industry, international partners, and other stakeholders to enhance HDR student research and training opportunities.
• High-level organisational, project management, and analytical skills, including managing multiple initiatives, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills, including report writing, presentations, and briefing senior leadership.
• Experience supervising and guiding teams, with the ability to drive continuous improvement in service delivery and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated judgement and discretion in handling complex or sensitive matters, with knowledge of higher education policies, legislation, and HDR issues.

How to Apply and Information

As well as a CV, you are required to submit a Suitability Statement of no more than 3 pages, addressing the following five Key Position Capabilities of the position description :

• Demonstrated ability to interpret, advise and apply statutes, rules, regulations, administrative policies and procedures, including the ability to review policies and procedures with the view to providing continuous improvement of services.
• Demonstrated experience in the development of innovative collaborative partnerships with industry and international partners and/or other external stakeholders.
• Extensive experience in project management or business development.
• High-level oral, written and interpersonal communication skills and demonstrated ability to analyse data, prepare reports, and deliver presentations while demonstrating accuracy and attention to detail.
• High-level liaison and negotiation skills, and the ability to work cooperatively with a diverse range of people.

For more information regarding this position, please contact Prof Lucy Lewis.

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACST) on Sunday, 12 April 2026.

Please note, late applications and applications sent via agencies will not be accepted.