Director, Research Services

Make an impact at the University of Wollongong (UOW) - a purpose driven institution ranked in the top 1% of universities globally.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to lead a strategically important function at a university with a strong reputation for research excellence.

As Director, Research Services, you will provide leadership across the University's research funding and support ecosystem, helping to shape the services, systems and partnerships that enable research success. Reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), you will lead a multidisciplinary team spanning research funding, research support, commercial contracts, research systems and major bid development.

Working closely with senior leaders, researchers and external stakeholders, you will drive strategic initiatives, lead continuous improvement and ensure the University is well positioned to respond to emerging opportunities in the research landscape

About the Team

The Research Services Division sits within the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and plays a critical role in supporting UOW's research community. The team works in partnership with faculties, researchers and professional services colleagues to provide integrated support across the research funding and project lifecycle.

With an ambitious research agenda and a strong commitment to service excellence, the division is focused on helping researchers navigate an increasingly complex funding landscape, build strong partnerships and maximise the impact of their work. It is a collaborative, high-performing environment where people are encouraged to think strategically, work together and continuously improve the services they deliver.

What You'll Bring

You are a strategic and influential leader with a strong understanding of the research landscape and a proven ability to identify and capitalise on funding opportunities.
You bring a track record of building trusted relationships across complex stakeholder environments and are skilled at connecting institutional priorities with emerging opportunities in government, industry and research funding. Equally comfortable operating at a strategic and operational level, you can translate vision into action and inspire teams to deliver outstanding outcomes.

You will bring:

• Senior leadership experience within a complex organisation, leading strategic initiatives and organisational improvement.
• Experience developing and implementing strategies that drive growth, performance and organisational impact.
• Demonstrated success building productive partnerships with funding agencies, industry, government or research organisations.
• The ability to identify emerging trends and opportunities and position an organisation to maximise funding and strategic outcomes.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and negotiation skills, with the credibility to engage senior leaders, researchers and external stakeholders.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams through change while fostering a collaborative, accountable and high-performing culture.
• Strong strategic judgement, commercial acumen and an understanding of governance, risk and compliance.
• Knowledge of the Australian and international research funding landscape, including major funding programs and agencies, will be highly regarded.

Why Join UOW

• Competitive salary package
• 35-hour full-time work week supporting greater balance and flexibility
• Flexible working arrangements and family-friendly policies
• Generous leave entitlements including additional concession days over the Christmas-New Year period
• Purchased leave options to provide greater flexibility throughout the year
• Ongoing professional development and clear career progression opportunities

Role Details

• Employment type: Fixed-term 5 year
• Level 10 | Competitive salary package
• Position Description
• Location: Wollongong Campus / Hybrid
• Valid Australian work rights required. Visa sponsorship is not available.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you are required to submit a resume, and cover letter (of no more than 3 pages) summarising your skills and experience as they relate to the selection criteria located in the position description.

For further information about this position, please contact Kylie Stephens on + 61 2 4239 3936.

Closing Date: Sunday 13 September 2026, 11:55pm

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Wollongong is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity is valued, respected and celebrated. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve, removes barriers to participation, and provides equitable opportunities for staff to reach their full potential. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and those with caring or family responsibilities.

As required by federal legislation, prospective employees are required to declare whether they have been investigated for an allegation of Gender based Violence or determined to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender based Violence, during their previous employment, or otherwise in a legal process. Any such declaration will be included in the University's employment screening processes and will be treated with the strictest confidence and in compliance with all privacy legislation.

At the University of Wollongong (UOW), our people are united by a shared purpose - to create a better future through education, research, innovation and meaningful community impact.

With deep local roots and a growing global presence, UOW is proud to contribute to positive change in the communities we serve and the world beyond them. Guided by our Vision 2035 and Strategic Plan 2030, we are building a future that is innovative, inclusive and committed to societal impact - one where people, ideas and opportunity can thrive.

We are recognised for excellence in teaching and research, and for the real-world impact of our work. But what truly brings UOW to life is our people. Across every role, our staff contribute to something bigger - helping shape the future through the work they do every day.

At UOW, we are committed to fostering a culture where people feel valued, supported and empowered to do their best work. Our Values in Action guide how we work, lead and make decisions - creating a workplace grounded in integrity, accountability, collaboration and excellence.

Joining UOW means becoming part of a values-led community where your work has purpose, your contribution is valued, and the impact you make can be felt locally and globally.