Associate Director, Research Development & Grants

• Lead the University's 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 University's research grant development function and play a key role in delivering the University's 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 University's 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 University's 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: 

https://f.io/KDo0ceng

Benefits

• 17% superannuation
• Private Health Insurance discount
• Plus, many more, click HERE

How to apply

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

Position Enquiries: Alistair Duncan, Executive Director, Strategy & Operations, DVC Research & Industry Engagement, Email: Alistair.Duncan@latrobe.edu.au

Recruitment Enquiries: Vicki Stavrou, Senior Talent Partner, Strategy and Senior Appointments Email: v.stavrou@latrobe.edu.au

Position Description below:

PD - Associate Director, Research Development & Grants.pdf

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 to submit an application and 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 the Working with Children Act 2005.  If you are successful, you will be required to hold a valid Victorian Employee Working with Children Check prior to commencement.

National Code on Gender Based Violence in 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 communities. Candidates 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 in previous employment and/or in legal proceedings and provide relevant information to assist in determining suitability. Gender-based violence means any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation liberty or autonomy.