Director, Research Performance and Strategy

Role type: Full time, Continuing
Faculty: Faculty of Education
Department:  Office of Research Performance & Strategy 
Salary: Senior Manager 1 package including up to 17% super

• Key leadership role shaping research performance, translation and partnerships, and driving impact through the Melbourne Education Clinic.

• Lead research strategy, building a strong culture of external engagement and visibility to strengthen educational impact locally and globally.

• Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne 
We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity 
You will lead a high performing team that drives research excellence, income growth and impact across Education.

You will shape strategic partnerships and translation pathways, including the flagship Melbourne Education Clinic, to maximise societal benefit.

What you will deliver:

• Lead development and delivery of Faculty research strategy, aligning school activities with University frameworks and impact priorities.

• Oversee research funding pipelines, pre award support and income forecasting, ensuring high quality, competitive grant applications.

• Strengthen partnerships with government, schools, industry and community, coordinating engagement, translation initiatives and Education Clinic activities.

• Direct research performance reporting and analytics, providing evidence-based insights for planning, resource allocation and performance reviews.

• Lead, mentor and develop Research Performance staff, embedding collaborative, service focused and continuously improving support models.

You may be a great fit if:

• Hold postgraduate qualifications and demonstrate extensive experience in research management, development, partnerships or related environments.

• Bring senior leadership experience guiding teams and portfolios in complex organisations, fostering collaboration, innovation and high performance.

• Possess deep knowledge of research funding landscapes, pre award processes, compliance, grant development and quality assurance frameworks.

• Apply advanced analytical skills to interpret research performance data and provide evidence-based advice to senior leaders.

• Build strong relationships with academics, partners and professional staff, influencing diverse stakeholders towards shared research goals.

• Manage multiple priorities and complex workflows, balancing strategic planning, operational delivery and continuous improvement initiatives.

For further information please refer to the attached PD.

What we offer you! 
We offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits to support your success and sense of fulfilment, including:

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation.

• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being.

• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning.

• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balance and well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave.

• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company.

• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program.

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team – “Faculty of Education” 
The Faculty of Education is a globally recognised leader in educational research, policy and practice.

You will join a collaborative professional team that partners closely with academic leaders, schools and central University units.

Together, you build capability, expand partnerships and deliver initiatives like the Melbourne Education Clinic that enhance impact.

Be Yourself 
The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants 
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [email protected].

Application essentials:

• Visit "apply with us" to learn more about the process, including tips and FAQs.

• You must have current valid work rights for Australia. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

• A Working with Children Check is required for all positions. If successful, we will guide you through the process and reimburse you.

• Please upload your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and experience as part of the application process.

Want to know more?

• For queries related to this specific position, please contact the person listed on the Position Description.

• For questions related to our recruitment process email Shabon Nawabi at [email protected]

• For recruitment adjustments contact Kim Groizard on +61 3 9035 3218 or at [email protected] (subject: 'Recruitment Adjustments').

Apply today, and join a community that’s shaping the future.

Applications close: Sunday, 31st May 2026 at 11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.

Position Description: 
PD - JR-013632 Director Research Performance & Strategy.pdf
PD - JR-013632 Director Research Performance & Strategy.docx