Director, Office for Research

Company Description

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

Job Description

Griffith University is recognised as a comprehensive research-intensive university, deploying a transformational research vision in recent years that has delivered an exponential uplift in research metrics and redefined how we support research. With our recently published Research and Innovation Plan (2025-2030) we are now poised to enter a new era – one where we scale our efforts, deepen our impact and lead with purpose; it is an exciting time to be a research leader at Griffith University.

The Office for Research drives the University’s research agenda by providing end-to-end research management support across the research lifecycle. Griffith’s Office for Research has tactically combined research functions that are often separated in other universities, to streamline our end-to-end systems and processes, providing a fully integrated model of embedded and comprehensive research support. As such, the Director’s role is pivotal in its influence of the University’s research success. Collaborating with other business units within the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) portfolio, including Griffith Enterprise and Griffith Graduate Research School, as well as other central units and academic groups, the Director reports directly to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research). This key position provides strategic advice and risk management on all research, research funding and research policy matters affecting the overall research performance of the University. The role will lead and direct the overall operations of the Office for Research to support the University’s research performance targets and enhance its research profile with its principal external and internal stakeholders at state, national and international levels.

About you
As a key member of the leadership team and advisor to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), we seek a leader who has the vision and ambition to help us deliver on our new Research and Innovation trajectory, and who can see the opportunities available, and respond quickly to leverage them. This role is about leading and delivering more than Griffith has already achieved, whilst remaining cognisant of the governance and compliance framework in which research excellence must thrive. The next Director of Griffith’s Office for Research can demonstrate their success in establishing systems, policies and procedures underpinning the delivery of client-focussed services that enhance institutional performance.

The successful candidate will be a high achieving individual with strategic and dynamic leadership experience, driving performance at the nexus of private and public sectors. Strong interpersonal and relational skills, an inherently collaborative approach, the ability to think big, and to address challenges in the context of an ever-evolving governance and funding environment will be key attributes for success.

What we can offer
This is a five-year fixed term, full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan).  As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations.

Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples.

Salary Range
An attractive salary package will be negotiated.

Qualifications

Additional Information

Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter stating how you can fulfil the responsibilities of the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Professor Lee Smith, at dvcr@griffith.edu.au.

For further application and recruitment advice, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner on t.burke@griffith.edu.au.

Closing date:  Monday, 22 June 2026 at 5pm. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.