About us

Southern Cross University is a dynamic, ambitious institution focused on its purpose of changing lives through revolutionary learning and research with real impact. Our game changing Southern Cross Model brings a deeper, focused learning experience with demonstrated improvement in student success. In 2024, Southern Cross University placed 100th in the world in the Times Higher Education Young University Ranking.

Working at Southern Cross University combines a rare combination of being surrounded by ambitious students, dedicated colleagues and an environment of stunning natural beauty. We are leaders in our communities in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Coffs Harbour and the Gold Coast and pride ourselves on helping shape a better tomorrow.

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Education is seeking an experienced research and grants administration professional for the role of Senior Administration Officer, Research to provide critical operational support for its research activities. This is an exciting opportunity to support the Faculty’s research activities through a key administrative role, contributing to the smooth running of research processes and initiatives, and helping drive the Faculty’s research success.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating and supporting the end-to-end research grants process, from supporting researchers in the development of grant proposals, to submission and reporting.
• Advising and guiding academic staff through research compliance, policies and funding requirements, and liaising with the Office of Research.
• Preparing and managing research-related financial administration, data reporting and analysis.
• Building and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with stakeholders across the University and with external partners.
• Contributing to process improvements and supporting the Faculty’s research strategy.

About you

You will bring a research administration background within higher education and the confidence to work independently as the Faculty’s key contact for all research administration matters. You are detail-oriented, proactive and highly organised, with the ability to lead academic staff through complex grant and compliance processes. While project management skills are highly regarded, your strong communication, stakeholder management and data administration skills will be critical to success in this role.

To be successful, you will have:

• A relevant degree with subsequent relevant experience, or equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
• Experience in higher education research administration, particularly grant processes and knowledge of research (including HDR) policies and procedures.
• Experience reviewing complex research funding rules and agreements, providing advice, maintaining financial records, preparing budgets, and regularly reporting on expenditure against budgets.
• Excellent communication skills to influence, negotiate and support stakeholders.
• Demonstrated analytical skills to interpret data, and develop and apply guidelines, policies and procedures.

Salary and benefits

Our staff benefit from flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work models, generous parental and carer’s leave provisions, wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance programs and professional learning opportunities. This position is:

• Full-time, continuing (permanent)
• Located at either Gold Coast, QLD 4225, or Lismore, NSW 2480. Generous relocation support available.
• HEW Level 6. The base salary ranges from $92,716 - $101,691 per annum, plus 17% employer’s contribution to superannuation. The total remuneration package is up to $118,978.

Find out more about working at SCU by visiting Why Work at SCU.

Application requirements

Applicants must apply online and attach a CV and cover letter responding to the selection criteria within the position description by the closing date. Information to support you prepare your application is available on our website. If you experience difficulties applying online or need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know by contacting [email protected].

Job applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or currently hold a visa with ongoing work rights in Australia. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Further information

To view the full position advertisement and details of the application process, please click on the APPLY button where you will be redirected to the Southern Cross University website.

Closing Date: 11.30pm AEST, 8 September 2025

Southern Cross University is committed to ensuring that the University reflects the rich diversity across the region in which the University’s campuses are located.

The University encourages applications from people of all ages, women, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people, people living with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people who are LGBTQI+.

We encourage applications from people with disability and will provide adjustments to the recruitment process upon request.

Together, we are Transforming Tomorrow.