Centre Manager

Griffith University; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 101,068 - 109,496; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Supportive work environment

Salary packaging options

Corporate health discounts

Educational assistance scheme

Job summary

A leading educational institution seeks a Centre Manager for Mental Health. This full-time role includes managing operational functions, engaging research stakeholders, and supporting strategic planning. The candidate should possess strong skills in operational and strategic planning, relationship building, and grant administration. The role is based at Griffith University Gold Coast with a competitive salary range of $101,068 - $109,496 plus superannuation. Applicants must have unrestricted working rights.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in operational and strategic planning, managing budgets and resources.
• Excellent communication skills to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in grant administration and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead stakeholder engagement and drive implementation of research projects.
• Manage the day-to-day operations, including financial and membership management.
• Support strategic planning and governance for the Centre.

Skills

Operational planning

Strategic planning

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Grant administration

Analytical skills

Relationship building

Education

Experience in research administration

Job 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

The Griffith Centre for Mental Health unifies the work of Griffith University mental health researchers by fostering innovation and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Our mental health researchers contribute to some of Australia’s largest nationally funded research projects, including youth mental health, parenting and family interventions, and lived-experience initiatives.

For over a decade, Griffith’s mental health research has attracted funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Medical Research Future Fund and the Australian Research Council, as well as Federal and state governments, community and industry partners.

The primary function of the Centre Manager is to lead stakeholder engagement, drive the implementation of research projects and ensure the operational effectiveness of the centre. The position is responsible for identifying growth opportunities and developing them into large strategic partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Operations Management: Support the Research Entity Director with the day-to-day operations of the centre including: financial management; membership management; coordination of research related initiatives; data management; managing required reporting.
• Engagement and Research Partnerships Management: Operate as a key liaison between the Centre’s internal stakeholders, research partners and industry stakeholders both in Australia and overseas to facilitate strong and long-term sustainable relationships.
• Governance and Reporting: Support the Research Entity Director in operational and strategic planning, governance, budgeting, resource management and workforce planning.

About you

The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of skills, experience, and qualifications to support the Research Entity Director in achieving the entity’s strategic and operational goals. You will possess excellent organisational and communication abilities, with a proactive approach to managing complex tasks and building relationships with stakeholders.

• Proven experience in operational and strategic planning, with the ability to manage budgeting, resource allocation, and workforce planning.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels and manage complex issues effectively.
• Experience in grant administration, including identifying funding opportunities, supporting researchers, and ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Exceptional organisational and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and track performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
• A collaborative mindset, with a track record of fostering professional relationships and coordinating events and programs that enhance research outcomes and professional development.

Experience in research administration is highly desirable.

What we can offer

This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 2 years, primarily based at Griffith University Gold Coast. As Griffith is a multi-campus 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

The full time equivalent base salary will be HEW Level 7 range $101,068 - $109,496 per annum + 17% superannuation. The total FTE package will be in the range $118,249 - $128,110 per annum.

Why Griffith?

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

• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme

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 outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About You section above and the position description)
• Names and contact details of at least three professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

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 Ms Carina Page, Manager - Group Research Services at [e-mail].

For further application and recruitment advice, please contact Jinita Dhall, Talent Acquisition Partner on [e-mail].

Closing date: Monday, 6 April 2026 at 11:59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online. Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.