Director, Graduate Research

The Director, Graduate Research provides institution‑wide strategic and operational leadership for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs at the University of Newcastle. Reporting to the Pro Vice‑Chairman, Research, the Director leads the Graduate Research Office and ensures high‑quality, consistent and efficient delivery across the full candidature lifecycle, from admissions and scholarships through candidature management, supervision, examination and completion.

In partnership with the Future Students team, Colleges and Schools, the Director also supports strategic HDR recruitment to build a strong, diverse and high‑quality cohort. Growing the University’s HDR cohort is one of three headline research priorities in the Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2030, supported by investment in HDR recruitment infrastructure, and the Director will hold a pivotal role in advancing this agenda.

A central focus of the role is continuing to enhance HDR candidate experience, wellbeing and research training quality, whilst embedding equitable and inclusive practice that supports diverse cohorts, including international and Indigenous candidates. The Director will build strong, collaborative relationships across the University to ensure coherent and consistently high‑quality HDR practice.

This is a senior strategic and operational leadership position with executive visibility, significant scope to shape institutional direction, and the opportunity to position the University as a sector leader in HDR education as we advance toward 2030. The role will be offered for an initial term of two years.

About You

You are an experienced senior leader with substantial expertise in research training, research management, higher education leadership, or a comparably complex policy‑driven operational environment. You bring a sophisticated understanding of how policy frameworks translate into the day‑to‑day operation of a large, multi‑stakeholder unit, and the credibility to operate as a peer to academic leaders across the University.

You hold a genuine interest in line management at scale and in building careers. Understanding that colleagues are persuaded by leaders who are credible, evidence‑led, and invested in their success, you are comfortable leading through influence as well as authority. Importantly, you share the University’s commitment to equity, diversity and the inclusive support of HDR cohorts, including students who are first in their family to undertake higher education, and to Indigenous engagement and respect.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A postgraduate qualification together with substantial experience in research training, research management, higher education leadership or a related field;
• A demonstrated track record of leading complex academic or administrative functions and translating policy into reliable, high‑quality operational delivery;
• Highly developed leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across academic and professional domains;
• A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and candidate wellbeing, with experience supporting inclusive and high‑quality research training environments.

For the full list of essential and desirable selection criteria, please contact Devereaux Consulting’s Managing Partner, Dr Jackie Besley on 04•• ••• 195 or email Dir•••••••@devereauxconsulting.com to request a copy of the Candidate Information Booklet.

Benefits

The University offers a comprehensive and inclusive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing, career development and work‑life balance, including:

• Flexible working arrangements in line with the University’s Flexible Work Policy, supporting diverse family and personal commitments.
• 17% superannuation, access to salary packaging options.
• Wellbeing and support programmes that promote mental, physical and emotional health.
• Career development opportunities, including structured training and leadership development, support for research excellence, and opportunities for global collaboration and recognition.
• A great lifestyle – Newcastle offers the best of coastal living, with stunning natural beauty, a thriving cultural scene and easy connectivity to Sydney and other major cities.

How to Apply

The University of Newcastle has appointed Devereaux Consulting to manage this search. To apply, please submit the following to Devereaux Consulting:

• A cover letter (no more than two pages) outlining your interest in the role and your suitability against the essential criteria;
• A curriculum vitae detailing your career history, qualifications and significant achievements;
• The names and contact details of three referees (referees will not be contacted without your prior consent).

The University is committed to creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for every member of its community. This commitment is central to the University’s values and its efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive. The completion and return of the University’s Gender‑based Violence Declaration Form will form part of the pre‑employment checks for this position, and any offer of employment will be conditional upon review by the University.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process to support your application, please let Devereaux Consulting know. Anything you share will be treated respectfully and in confidence.

Applications close: Thursday, 11 June 2026 at 11:59pm AEST. The University of Newcastle is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity, diversity and social inclusion. Women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are warmly encouraged to apply.