Research & Enterprise Manager

Job Description:

• One of Australia’s leading research & teaching universities
• Vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community & inclusion
• Enjoy a career that makes a difference by collaborating & learning from the best

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

The Faculty of Science teaches approximately 7000 full-time student equivalents, with an academic staff of approximately 500 and general staff of 300. The Faculty is one of the largest and most complex faculties of UNSW Sydney. It comprises the School of Aviation, Biological Earth and Environmental Science (BEES), Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS), Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), Mathematics and Statistics, Psychology, and Physics. It also includes several major Research Centres and field stations.

The Research & Enterprise Manager supports the Deputy Dean Research & Enterprise in developing and implementing the Faculty’s research and enterprise operational plans and strategy through managing the Research & Enterprise Support Team, overseeing reporting and key research relationships, and providing high level advice on strategy and senior operations.

The Research & Enterprise Manager is the Faculty interface with relevant University work areas including, Research, Grants and Contracts, Research Strategy Office, Industry and Innovation, Research Finance, as well as research bodies internal and external to the University.

About the role

• $127k - $143k plus 17% Superannuation and annual leave loading
• Continuing
• Full-time (35 hours per week)
• Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid working - half the time on campus).

The position reports to the Faculty Strategy Manager and has three direct reports. The role works closely with the Associate Dean Research and the Associate Dean Research Training.

Specific responsibilities for this role include:

• Manage the day to day running of the Faculty Research & Enterprise Support Team to ensure high level operational coordination and support to the Faculty Research & Enterprise Executive Team, Schools, their researchers and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students, and the Faculty’s Centres and Institutes.
• Initiate and coordinate strategic research and enterprise projects that enhance the research excellence and impact of the Faculty, equip our HDR students and researchers to succeed in the future research landscape, and increase the level, quality and diversity of research funding.
• Initiate and lead change projects aimed at improving outcomes in research operations for the Faculty and processes in the Research & Enterprise Support Team.
• Coordinate the formulation of the Faculty research and enterprise operational plan, project plans, and budgets, in alignment with the Faculty’s operational environment and UNSW policy framework.
• Provide the key point of contact for the Faculty in relation to research and enterprise operations, particularly with the Division of Research and Enterprise, Science schools and centres and institutes, to ensure collaborative stakeholder relationships are actively maintained.
• Lead the pro-active analysis and reporting of the Faculty’s research performance, external funding success and other relevant metrics and recommend initiatives to improve research performance.
• Manage effective communications to Centres and Institutes, researchers and HDR students relating to funding opportunities, Faculty initiatives and research policy and process.
• Provide advice to the Research & Enterprise Executive Team on how to build the Faculty’s research capability, support our researchers and HDR students, and optimise research outcomes.
• Lead direct reports by ensuring KPIs, goals and career development plans are in place and providing timely and regular feedback on progress.
• Maintain knowledge on current funding guidelines and relevant legislative, political, economic, academic and industry policy matters. Provide advice, analysis and recommendations on research policy and opportunities.
• Align with and actively demonstrate the Code of Conduct and Values.
• Ensure hazards and risks psychosocial and physical are identified and controlled for tasks, projects, and activities that pose a health and safety risk within your area of responsibility.

About the successful applicant (Selection criteria)

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A tertiary qualification and substantive experience working in the University sector in a research development and engagement role, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training or experience.
• Strong understanding of the broader research development context, including Australian and international funding environments, research grants management, research policies and regulations.
• Proven experience in people management, with the ability to lead and motivate teams to achieve high-quality outcomes.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff at all levels, including senior management and external organisations.
• Demonstrated experience in project management methodologies, supported by strong organisational management skills.
• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively on initiatives with stakeholders across multiple levels of an organisation.
• Experience building and managing stakeholder relationships to enhance organisational profile and awareness, complemented by strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of attention to detail for deliverables produced.
• Actively demonstrates confidentiality, tact and discretion in the management of sensitive and confidential information.
• Excellent time management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines with sound judgement and initiative.
• Advanced knowledge of computer systems and applications, particularly the Microsoft 365 suite, with capacity to rapidly learn new systems.
• 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.

You should systematically address the selection criteria listed within the position description in your application.

For informal queries, please see the below contact details.

Otherwise, please apply online - applications will not be accepted if sent directly to the contact listed.

Contact: Alyce Taylor

E: a.taylor@unsw.edu.au

Applications close: June 3rd, 2026

Find out more about working at UNSW at www.unsw.edu.au

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.