Associate Director, Research Development and Grants

La Trobe University

Bundoora, Melbourne VIC (Hybrid)

Management to Universities, Other (Education and Training)

Full time

Lead the University's research grant development strategy and funding growth agenda

Drive research income growth through strategic funding pipelines and partnerships

Full Time /5 Year Fixed Term Appointment / Bundoora Campus

About the position

La Trobe University is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to join the Research Office as Associate Director, Research Development and Grants. Reporting to the Executive Director, Research Strategy and Operations, this pivotal role will lead the University's research grant development function and play a key role in delivering the University's Research and Innovation 2030 Strategy.

Leading a team that operates university-wide, the successful candidate will drive sustainable growth in external research income through the development of strategic funding pipelines, researcher capability programs and innovative grant development frameworks. Working closely with senior academic and executive leaders, the role will strengthen institutional funding readiness, enhance researcher competitiveness and position La Trobe for success across national, international, industry and philanthropic funding opportunities.

Duties at this level:

Lead the University's research grant development program, aligning initiatives with institutional research priorities and income growth objectives.

Partner with Research Institutes, Major Initiatives, Associate Deans Research and Industry Engagement and research leaders to identify, develop and secure major funding opportunities.





Provide strategic advice to senior academic and executive leaders on funding strategy, investment priorities and research growth opportunities.

Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships across government, industry, health, philanthropic and research sectors.

Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing research grant development team that delivers exceptional support to the University's research community.

Drive innovation, digital enablement and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance funding success and operational effectiveness.

Skills and knowledge:

Postgraduate qualifications and significant leadership experience within a research-intensive organisation or equivalent executive environment.

Extensive knowledge of Australian and international research funding programs, grants development and research strategy.

Proven capability to lead high-performing teams and influence strategic outcomes across complex stakeholder environments.

Expertise in research governance, compliance, risk management and externally funded research activities.

Solid strategic, commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing funding pipelines and investment priorities.

Exceptional communication, engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across executive, academic and external stakeholder groups.

Please refer to the position description for other duties, skills and experience required for this position.

Position Enquiries: Alistair Duncan, Executive Director, Strategy and Operations, DVC

Posted: 13-09-2026

Salary: Attractive package will be offered to right candidate

📌 Associate Director (Melbourne)
🏢 La Trobe University
📍 Melbourne