About the role The HDR Senior Support Leader operates as a recognised authority within the Graduate Research School (GRS), exercising substantial independent judgement to lead the development, enhancement and implementation of: growth initiatives such as internships, the National Industry PhD; the coordination and management of RTP rounds; systems, policies, procedures and programs; and foreign interference.
The HDR Senior Support Leader applies advanced theoretical and operational knowledge of the HDR sector to independently identify, analyse and resolve complex and novel problems, including matters with implications beyond the immediate functional area.
They provide authoritative strategic advice to the GRS Executive, Dean and senior University stakeholders on policy interpretation, compliance, and operational matters of significant complexity.
The HDR Senior Support Leader takes a leading role in driving continuous improvement across GRS business processes, independently developing and implementing creative solutions that enhance outcomes for HDR candidates, supervisors and the broader University.
They cross organisational, functional and specialist boundaries to coordinate actions, build strategic relationships and propose initiatives that align GRS operations with University-wide objectives.




The position plays a critical leadership role in ensuring UNE's compliance with relevant legislation and regulatory frameworks governing HDR, including TEQSA, ESOS, HESF and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, and leads the implementation of recommendations arising from external reviews.
The role shares accountability for outcomes in its functional area and provides substantial and authoritative advice that informs decisions at the highest levels of the GRS and broader University.
About you To be successful in this role, you will have: Leadership experience in higher education, and the ability to work effectively to build team cohesion.
High level planning and analytical skills, systems design and implementation, problem solving, and a well-developed understanding of Research Higher Degree administration.
Proven expertise in project management, the ability to work independently and in a team to deliver and implement programs and systems, preferably within the domain of Higher Degree Research.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a strong ability in consultation and negotiation.
Willingness and open to change.

📌 Hdr Senior Support Leader (Armidale)
🏢 University Of New England
📍 Armidale