Associate Director, Research Tenders and Government Grants

• Full time, 3-year fixed term opportunity. Located on Camperdown Campus

• Opportunity to lead complex, high‑value government funding activity and directly influence the University’s research revenue and strategic growth

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking an Associate Director, Research Tenders and Government Grants to lead the University’s government tenders and government grants function, supporting the uplift and diversification of research revenue across Commonwealth and State funding sources.

Reporting to the Director, Research Pipeline and Pre‑Award, this role is accountable for delivering strategy, oversight and expert advice across complex, high‑value government research tenders and panel memberships. The Associate Director plays a critical enterprise‑wide role, working closely with senior academics, professional leaders and government stakeholders to ensure submissions are strategically positioned, compliant and compelling, contributing directly to the University’s research strategy and Collective Excellence initiatives.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• provide strategic leadership for government research tenders and specialised government grants aligned to University strategy

• lead the end‑to‑end development of major and complex government tenders and grant submissions

• provide authoritative advice on pricing, procurement rules, probity, compliance and risk mitigation

• lead the development and positioning of government research panel membership applications

• build and sustain senior‑level relationships with government agencies and external partners

• establish governance, quality assurance and continuous improvement frameworks for research tender activity.

Occasional travel will be required to support stakeholder engagement

About you

• extensive experience delivering complex government tenders and grant submissions

• strong understanding of Commonwealth and State government procurement and funding environments

• demonstrated expertise in pricing, compliance, risk and contractual considerations

• proven ability to influence senior stakeholders across large, complex organisations

• experience leading or uplifting specialist capability within a research or government context.

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 Nicole Turle Recruitment Operations by email to nicole.turle@sydney.edu.au

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Sunday 24 May 2026 11:59 PM