Coordinator, Research Contracts

RMIT; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Superannuation

Job summary

RMIT University seeks a proactive Coordinator, Research Contracts to support review, negotiation and management of research agreements within the Research and Innovation Portfolio. You will work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely, compliant contracting and high-quality service.

The role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong communication and analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• A legal qualification and/or substantial experience in a legal, contracts or advisory role, preferably within higher education, research, government or a comparable complex environment.
• Ability to review and critique draft funding and commercial agreements and provide clear feedback to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects with different priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Proven attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated initiative, judgement and problem-solving to provide practical solutions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to advise, influence and negotiate with staff.
• Proven history of high quality, customer-focused service.
• Demonstrated high level of computer literacy and ability to apply ICT to work situations.
• History of behaviours aligned to the RMIT values and professional capability framework.

Responsibilities

• Support the review, negotiation and management of research agreements.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver positive outcomes.
• Assist in contract administration and documentation.
• Ensure timely processing and compliance with policies.

Skills

Legal qualification

Contracts management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Customer service

Problem solving

Education

Legal qualification or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Full-time, Continuing position Salary Professional Level 7 + 17% Superannuation and Flexible Working Arrangements Based At the Melbourne CBD campus, and hybrid ways of working

About You

We are seeking a proactive Coordinator, Research Contracts to support the review, negotiation and management of research agreements within RMIT's Research and Innovation Portfolio. You'll bring strong organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy, fast-paced environment. A confident communicator and relationship builder, you'll enjoy working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to deliver positive outcomes.

Experience in contract management, legal administration, and an understanding of research grants will be highly regarded. A legal background or qualification is advantageous but not essential. Above all, you'll bring excellent attention to detail, a solutions-focused mindset and a commitment to delivering high-quality service.

To Be Successful

• A legal qualification and/or substantial experience in a legal, contracts or advisory role, preferably within higher education, research, government or a comparable complex environment.
• Ability to review and critique a wide range of draft funding and general commercial agreements, and to provide clear, concise feedback and advice to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work systematically and simultaneously on multiple projects with different levels of priority and complexity, whilst meeting deadlines in a timely manner.
• Proven ability to pay close attention to detail and produce work that is of a high quality and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to use initiative, judgement and problem-solving skills in order to provide creative and practical solutions to problems.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, in particular the ability to advise, influence and negotiate effectively and sensitively with staff from a range of workplace settings to build relationships and facilitate the desired action.
• A proven track record in providing high quality, customer focused service.
• Demonstrated high level of computer literacy including an understanding of available information communication technologies and how to apply these innovatively to work situations.
• Demonstrated history of behaviour aligned to the RMIT values, leadership capabilities and professional capability framework.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

About the Portfolio

RMIT's Research and Innovation Portfolio supports researchers to help shape the world. The portfolio has an engaged, energetic, talented and collaborative team focused on enabling excellent research and innovation outcomes. With a global presence, community and industry connections, we support cutting-edge research and careers that make a positive impact on communities.

The Research and Innovation Portfolio supports researchers and graduate researchers with research partnerships, grants and research contracts, funding opportunities, capability development, research training, ethics and integrity, intellectual property, commercialisation, internships, communication and profile.

Applications Close

Applications Close: 23 Nov 2026 11.59 pm

Equal Opportunity

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

In line with RMIT University's commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender-based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.

Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre-employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT's safety obligations.

We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms).

Culture

Our Values inspire us, wherever we are in the world, and guide how we live and work together. Imagination. Integrity. Courage. Passion. Impact. Inclusion. What unites us is our purpose and our values; they are at the heart of who we are, what we stand for, how we make decisions and connect with each other.

Our people make everything at the University possible. We encourage new approaches to work and learning, stimulating change to drive positive impact. RMIT exists to create transformative experiences for our students, getting them ready for life and work. You will be a part of a productive and collaborative team, who values working relationships and outcomes through open and inclusive planning, continuous information sharing and transparent work practices.

Find out what makes RMIT a great place to work.

We are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We also commit to responding to every applicant as a Circle Back Initiative Employer.