"Portfolio Manager - Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre"

Portfolio Manager - Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre

• Full-time continuing position
• Exciting opportunity to influence key HDR administration processes and drive continuous improvement
• Base Salary $126,065 - $142,171 + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

As the research Portfolio Manager – Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre, you will play a critical leadership role in managing the operations, services and administrative delivery of the Higher Degree Research (HDR) portfolio. You will lead a dedicated portfolio team, oversee the student lifecycle, provide high-level policy and procedural guidance, and drive continuous improvement across administrative processes.

Working closely with the Senior Manager, HDR Centre and Graduate Research School stakeholders, you will ensure the effective, efficient and client‑focused delivery of HDR services aligned with University policies and strategic priorities.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• manage the daily delivery of HDR administration activities across the portfolio, including planning, lifecycle management, enquiries, and service-level monitoring
• provide clear guidance and expert advice to staff, students, partners and visitors on processes, policies and operational issues
• review and implement improvements to administration workflows in collaboration with HDR Centre managers and Graduate Research School leaders
• lead, coach and develop portfolio team members, ensuring performance, capability development and a safe work environment
• oversee compliance with WHS, University policies, Mutual Accountability Agreements (MAAs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
• manage end‑to‑end HDR student lifecycle activities including enrolment, progress reviews, thesis examinations and awards
• provide high-level advice on policy, regulation, and progression requirements
• build and maintain effective relationships with academic leaders, professional services units, and internal stakeholders
• undertake ad‑hoc projects aligned to Graduate Research School priorities.

About you

• extensive administrative experience in a tertiary education environment
• demonstrated ability to review, adapt and enhance administrative procedures, ensuring service efficiency and quality
• strong leadership and team management experience including coaching, performance management and capability development
• ability to provide informed, high‑level policy and procedural advice and resolve complex enquiries
• excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills, with strong negotiation and conflict resolution capability
• high-level time management, problem solving and judgement skills, with the ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
• thorough understanding of University policies, procedures and the HDR student lifecycle
• postgraduate qualification in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible 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. 

For employees of the University or contingent workers, 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 any documents in alternate formats, please contact Kale Claffey Recruitment Operations by email to kale.claffey@sydney.edu.au

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 15 March 2026 11:59 PM