Program Manager

Curtin University; Bentley; On-site; AUD 123,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Curtin University is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the Research and Policy program at the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES) in Bentley, Western Australia.

You will coordinate major research initiatives, oversee funding schemes and in-house research aligned with strategic priorities in higher education student equity, while engaging a wide range of stakeholders to deliver meaningful outcomes.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and managing programs to achieve strategic outcomes within budget and resource constraints.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong written communication skills for clear reports and documentation.
• Excellent organisational skills managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and staff development.
• Strong critical analysis, problem-solving, and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, management and continuous development of the Research and Policy program.
• Develop and review strategic program plans aligned with priorities and sector needs.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, negotiating deliverables and managing expectations.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring objectives are achieved.
• Manage program resources and budgets, ensuring effective use of available resources.
• Provide leadership, guidance and development to staff, including performance management and career planning where required.
• Prepare high-quality reports, briefing materials and program documentation.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of a nationally significant program responding to evolving priorities in student equity.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder management

Budget management

Leadership

Report writing

Cross-cultural communication

Job description

Job Reference: 1687986

About the Role

Curtin University is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the Research and Policy program at the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES).

This is an opportunity to manage a nationally significant program encompassing major research initiatives, nationally competitive funding schemes and in-house research focused on strategic priorities in higher education student equity.

Working with a diverse range of stakeholders across the higher education sector, you will provide strategic direction, oversee program delivery and ensure initiatives achieve meaningful outcomes.

Your responsibilities will include

• Lead the planning, management and continuous development of the Research and Policy program.
• Develop and review strategic program plans aligned with organisational priorities and emerging sector needs.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, negotiating deliverables, managing expectations and supporting successful program outcomes.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring objectives are achieved.
• Manage program resources and budgets, ensuring effective use of available resources.
• Provide leadership, guidance and development to staff, including performance management and career planning where required.
• Prepare high-quality reports, briefing materials and program documentation.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of a nationally significant program responding to evolving priorities in student equity.

Selection Criteria

You are an experienced program or project management professional with the ability to operate strategically while managing complex priorities and stakeholder relationships.

• Demonstrated experience developing, implementing and managing programs to achieve strategic outcomes within budget and resource constraints.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise reports and documentation.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
• Experience working effectively within cross-functional teams, including the ability to provide leadership and guidance to staff.
• Strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills, with sound judgement and decision-making capability.

Role Requirements

• As this is a fixed-term contract, you will require current work rights in Australia that match the tenure of this role
• Successful applicants are subject to a National Police Clearance, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin’s satisfaction

About Curtin University

Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2025 rankings. We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live.

For more information, please visitour Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You

This fixed term, full-time G08 level role attracts a remuneration of $122,699 - $130,758 + 17% superannuation.

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more.

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visithttps://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Applications close: 8pm (AWST), Sunday 25th of October 2026.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, remove the advert, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time.