"Manager, Pre-Award"

The Opportunity

• Fast-paced, exciting environment
• Hybrid/flexible work arrangements
• Full-time, (continuing) permanent role
• $127,351-$143,489+ 17% super + leave loading

The role of the Research Strategy Office (RSO) is to enhance UNSW’s research performance and profile by working with Faculties, research teams and researchers to initiate, facilitate and secure new national and international research funding bids and Fellowships, enhance UNSW’s research profile and increase the level, quality and diversity of research funding.

The Manager, Pre-Award provides day to day management to a team dedicated to the delivery of high-quality customer services to the University in the pre-award space (including competitive grant applications), as well as enhancing structure within the team by refining and documenting current processes, focusing on streamlining pre-award workflows, improving consistency, and supporting the team by implementing best practices.

Working closely with colleagues from Research Analysis, Data and Reporting, Research Grants and Contracts, and across the RSO teams this role reports to the Director and manages three direct reports in addition to short term project officers throughout major rounds.

The Organisation

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s 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. It’s the reason we’re Australia’s number one university for impact and among the nation’s 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 high-level research funding and program/project management experience. Previous experience in pre-award grant support will be highly valued, as well as the following skills and experience:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to negotiate and liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Providing creative and innovative solutions to problems whilst adhering to policy, governance and regulations.
• Interpreting and applying complex policies and procedures.
• Successful delivery of quality, professional, customer focused services and support to clients.
• Highly developed organisational skills and ability to establish priorities, manage tasks and meet competing deadlines in a high-volume environment whilst maintaining attention to accuracy and detail.
• An understanding of and commitment to UNSW’s aims, objectives and values in action, together with relevant policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of health & safety (psychosocial and physical) responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant health and safety 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: shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

Applications close:

11.55pm, Wednesday 26th November 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.