HDR Coordinator

University of Canberra; Australian Capital Territory; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Family-friendly policies

On-campus gym and facilities

Professional development

Employee private health plan (Bupa)

Job summary

The University of Canberra is seeking an HDR Coordinator to support HDR students and supervisors across the Faculty of Design, Technology and Society (DTS) and the Faculty of Arts and Design (FAD). The role contributes to the administration and delivery of programs that enhance the HDR student experience and research culture.

Working closely with the Director, Graduate Research and reporting to the Senior Research Coordinator, the HDR Coordinator develops expertise in graduate research

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in administration, customer service or stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with competing priorities.
• Ability to stay calm, professional and solution‑focused in high‑pressure environments.
• Proven experience managing challenging stakeholder interactions with empathy and professionalism.
• High attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and databases.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and proactive continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively with initiative and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with HDR students, supervisors, academic leaders and staff to support student outcomes.
• Serve as the primary contact for Faculty HDR students and respond to enquiries.
• Support HDR candidature processes to ensure timely, accurate support throughout the research journey.
• Assist with Faculty scholarship processes.
• Develop and distribute communications to HDR students and Faculty stakeholders via Canvas, websites, newsletters and social media.
• Monitor and manage the HDR email inbox, coordinating responses and escalation as needed.
• Organise HDR events including seminars, workshops, bootcamps, symposia, conferences and onboarding.
• Administer HDR initiatives including mentoring programs, candidature allowances and travel support.

Skills

Administration

Customer service

Stakeholder engagement

Organisational skills

Time management

Problem solving

Independent and collaborative work

Tools

CRM systems

Databases

Canvas

Job description

About the opportunity:

Supporting a vibrant community of HDR students and supervisors across the Faculty of Design, Technology and Society (DTS) / Faculty of Arts and Design (FAD), the HDR Coordinator will contribute to the administration and delivery of programs that enhance the HDR student experience and research culture.

Working closely with the Director, Graduate Research and reporting to the Senior Research Coordinator, this role provides an exciting opportunity to develop expertise in graduate research administration, stakeholder engagement, and higher education operations within a research environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build effective working relationships with HDR students, supervisors, academic leaders and professional staff to support positive student outcomes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Faculty HDR students and respond to enquiries
• Support HDR candidature processes to ensure students receive timely, accurate and responsive support throughout their research journey
• Assist with Faculty scholarship processes
• Develop and distribute communications to HDR students and Faculty stakeholders through a range of channels including Canvas, websites, newsletters and social media.
• Monitor and manage the Faculty HDR email inbox, coordinating responses and escalating matters.
• Organise and support HDR events including seminars, workshops, bootcamps, symposia, conferences, onboarding, orientation and other Faculty engagement activities.
• Administer HDR initiatives including mentoring programs, candidature allowances and student travel support.

About you:

• Demonstrated experience in administration, customer service or stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm, professional and solution-focused in high-pressure environments.
• Proven experience managing challenging stakeholder interactions with empathy and professionalism.
• High attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records and databases.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, exercising initiative, sound judgement and accountability in the delivery of work outcomes.

The University offers excellent conditions and benefits which can be explored on our “ Work at UC ” site which includes:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Family-friendly policies
• On campus Gym, Medical services, Cafes, Post office, Supermarket and Early Childhood Education and Care facilities.
• Professional Development offerings (study assistance, corporate programs and discounts)
• Access to Employee Assistance Program and a corporate private Health Plan (Bupa)

Working rights:

Applicants who wish to apply for this position must have valid working rights at the time of submission.

WWVP:

The University of Canberra is committed to the safety of vulnerable and young people. As such, successful applicants will be required to have a current ACT working with vulnerable people registration. For further details on how to apply please click https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au