Team Leader, HDR Program Support

James Cook University; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% super

Great benefits

Job summary

James Cook University in Townsville seeks a dynamic Team Leader to guide the HDR Program Support Team, delivering accurate and consistent academic and administrative support to HDR candidates and supervisors.

You will lead a small, high-performing team, coordinate workloads, streamline processes and act as a key escalation point for complex queries, ensuring excellent service throughout the HDR community.

Qualifications

• Requires a relevant degree or equivalent experience in academic or research administration.
• Proven leadership capability with experience developing teams and fostering service excellence.
• Strong organisational skills to manage competing priorities and complex projects.
• Excellent written communication and analytical skills with reporting proficiency.
• Advanced interpersonal and negotiation skills across diverse university areas.
• Comfort using enterprise systems, databases and digital tools to support workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead HDR Program Support Team and deliver high-quality services to candidates and supervisors.
• Coordinate workloads, priorities and escalation for complex queries.
• Streamline processes and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support compliance, reporting and audit requirements with data analysis and documentation.
• Build relationships and influence stakeholders to enable research success.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Documentation

Negotiation

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant degree in academic/research administration

Tools

Enterprise systems

Databases

Job description

• Full time - 36.25 hours per week | Continuing position
• HEWL 7 $99,878 - $110,446 + 17% super and great benefits
• Based in Townsville

Help shape the future of research at JCU. We’re looking for a dynamic and motivated Team Leader to guide our HDR Program Support Team and deliver exceptional services to Higher Degree Research candidates and supervisors across the University.

In this pivotal role, you’ll lead a small, high-performing team responsible for providing efficient, accurate and consistent academic and administrative support. You’ll coordinate workloads and priorities, streamline processes, and act as a key escalation point for complex queries—ensuring our HDR community receives outstanding service at every step.

You’ll contribute to strategic planning within the Graduate Research School, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and support compliance, reporting and audit requirements through high-quality data analysis and documentation. Your ability to build strong relationships, influence stakeholders and lead with authenticity will be central to your success.

What you’ll bring

A relevant degree or equivalent experience in academic or research administration.

Proven leadership capability, with experience developing teams and fostering a culture of service excellence.

Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and complex projects.

Excellent written communication and analytical skills, with confidence preparing reports and procedural documentation.

Advanced interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to work effectively across diverse areas of the University.

Strong problem‑solving skills and sound judgement in resolving complex operational issues.

Confidence using enterprise systems, databases and digital tools to support workflow efficiency.

Join a university committed to excellence, sustainability, reconciliation and delivering a brighter future for the Tropics. If you’re passionate about leading people, improving processes and supporting research success, we’d love to hear from you.

JCU celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds who meet the role requirements.