Associate Director, Research Development & Grants

Job No.:570834

Work type:Fixed Term

• Lead the Universitys research grant development strategy and funding growth agenda
• Drive research income growth through strategic funding pipelines and partnerships
• Full Time /5 Year Fixed Term Appointment / Bundoora Campus

About the position

La Trobe University is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to join the Research Office as Associate Director Research Development & Grants. Reporting to the Executive Director Research Strategy and Operations this pivotal role will lead the Universitys research grant development function and play a key role in delivering the Universitys Research and Innovation 2030 Strategy.

Leading a team that operates university-wide the successful candidate will drive sustainable growth in external research income through the development of strategic funding pipelines researcher capability programs and innovative grant development frameworks. Working closely with senior academic and executive leaders the role will strengthen institutional funding readiness enhance researcher competitiveness and position La Trobe for success across national international industry and philanthropic funding opportunities.

Duties at this level:

• Lead the Universitys research grant development program aligning initiatives with institutional research priorities and income growth objectives.
• Partner with Research Institutes Major Initiatives Associate Deans Research and Industry Engagement and research leaders to identify develop and secure major funding opportunities.
• Provide strategic advice to senior academic and executive leaders on funding strategy investment priorities and research growth opportunities.
• Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships across government industry health philanthropic and research sectors.
• Lead develop and inspire a high-performing research grant development team that delivers exceptional support to the Universitys research community.
• Drive innovation digital enablement and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance funding success and operational effectiveness.

Skills and knowledge:

• Postgraduate qualifications and significant leadership experience within a research-intensive organisation or equivalent executive environment.
• Extensive knowledge of Australian and international research funding programs grants development and research strategy.
• Proven capability to lead high-performing teams and influence strategic outcomes across complex stakeholder environments.
• Expertise in research governance compliance risk management and externally funded research activities.
• Strong strategic commercial and financial acumen with experience managing funding pipelines and investment priorities.
• Exceptional communication engagement and influencing skills with the ability to build trusted relationships across executive academic and external stakeholder groups.

Please refer to the position description for other duties skills and experience required for this position.

Welcome to Bundoora campus Please click on the video link below:

superannuation

How to apply

Closing date: Sunday 13^th September 2026 at 11:55pm

Position Enquiries: Alistair Duncan Executive Director Strategy & Operations DVC Research & Industry Engagement Email:

Recruitment Enquiries: Vicki Stavrou Senior Talent Partner Strategy and Senior Appointments Email:

Position Description below:

PD - Associate Director Research Development &

Please submit an online application ONLY and include the following documents:

• Cover letter;
• An up-to-date resume and
• Address the Key Selection Criteria

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We welcome and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

La Trobe University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We take an intersectional approach by actively supporting and encouraging people of all backgrounds and abilities tosubmitan applicationand aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. Flexibility in interview format will be offered to shortlisted candidates.

Our commitment to safety

All La Trobe University employees are bound by theWorking with Children Act 2005.If you are successful you willbe requiredto hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

National CodeonGender Based Violencein Higher Education

La Trobe University is committed to upholding the National Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV Code). This aligns with our mission to create safe and respectful will be asked during the recruitment process to declare whether they have ever been investigated for or found to have engaged in gender-based violence inpreviousemployment and/or in legal proceedings and provide relevant information toassistindeterminingsuitability. Gender-based violence means any form of physical or non-physical violence harassmentabuseor threats based on gender that results in or is likely to result in harm coercion control fear or deprivation liberty or autonomy.