Higher Degree Research Engagement and Partnerships Manager

Position Details

• Continuing | Full Time
• Higher Education Officer Level 8 | $116,349 - $128,806 pa | 17% Super
• View Position Description

A Role with Impact:
The HDR Engagement and Partnerships Manager is a strategic role within the Office of Graduate Research (OGR), responsible for building industry and international partnerships that create meaningful research, training and career opportunities for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students. You will lead initiatives including industry internships, cotutelle arrangements, scholarships and research collaborations, while providing strategic advice and supporting the delivery of high-quality, student-centred outcomes.

The HDR Engagement and Partnerships Manager will:

• Lead HDR industry and international initiatives, including internships, cotutelles and scholarships.
• Develop and negotiate strategic partnerships, agreements and funding.
• Build strong industry, international and internal relationships to expand HDR opportunities.
• Represent Flinders at industry events, forums and international delegations.
• Manage complex HDR matters, including student cases, conflict resolution and IP.

About You
You are a strategic and collaborative professional with experience in partnership development, project management, business development or a related field. You bring the confidence to work across complex stakeholder environments, build meaningful relationships and turn opportunities into outcomes.

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.

This position is open to candidates who already have Australian working rights.

About the Office of Graduate Research:
The Office of Graduate Research (OGR) supports the success, development and impact of Flinders University's Higher Degree by Research (HDR) community. Our experienced team provides expert support across the HDR lifecycle, from admissions, progression and examination through to research training, employability, industry engagement, international opportunities and supervisor development. We are committed to creating an exceptional HDR experience, fostering research excellence and connecting our researchers with opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Life at Flinders
They say know your place. We say you've found it right here.

Flinders University was founded on the belief that learning should open minds, celebrate individuality and give people the freedom to pursue their own point of view. That spirit lives on in our community of thinkers, doers and changemakers who challenge convention, and each other, to shape what comes next.

Reaching beyond the limits of buildings, borders, and backgrounds, ours is an inclusive culture that believes absolutely in equality and opportunity for all. We don't just accommodate differences; we embrace and celebrate them.

So, why work at Flinders?

• 17% Superannuation + salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• Awarded the AHEIA Higher Education Award for Workplace Culture Excellence due to our commitment to wellbeing through our Thriving@Flinders staff wellbeing program
• Wide range of professional development activities and services, including exclusive staff study offers
• We embrace diversity and promote equity and inclusion for all students and staff, as shown through our three SAGE Cygnet Awards.
• Vibrant campus life and amenities including on campus health care services, gym and childcare centre (Bedford Park, South Australia).
• Recognised as a Veteran Employer of Choice

Our Commitment to Reconciliation and Indigenous Employment
Flinders University is proud to be an organisation that is committed to our Reconciliation Action Plan and Indigenous Workforce Strategy. Our vision is to be a preferred employer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to progressing Indigenous advancement in education, research, employment, and wellbeing, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all Flinders vacancies.

• Please see here for our Reconciliation Action Plan
• Please see here for our Indigenous Workforce Strategy

Prescribed Conditions for Employment

• A current Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which is satisfactory to the University will be required by Flinders University before the successful applicant can commence in this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration. Each case will be assessed on its individual merits and relevance to the inherent requirements of the role.

How to Apply and Information

To apply online, please visit the Jobs@Flinders website via the job portal: JR0000017437 Higher Degree Research (HDR) Engagement and Partnerships Manager.

As well as submitting a CV of no more than 4 pages, you are required to submit a Suitability Statement of no more than 2 pages, addressing the below four Key Position Capabilities of the position description.

• Progress towards postgraduate qualifications and extensive relevant experience; extensive experience and management expertise; or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education and/or training
• 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.

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

Applications to be submitted before 10:00 pm (ACST) on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

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

At Flinders we embrace and celebrate diversity and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.