Director, Global Research Engagement

• Full time, continuing position as Director, Global Research Engagement

• Utilise your strategic thinking and leadership expertise

• SBS B - offering a competitive remuneration package plus 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

The Director, Global Research Engagement is responsible for leading the development, shaping, implementation and evaluation of the international research partnership strategy to meet targets set out by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global and Research Engagement) and University strategy. Reporting to the PVC- GRE, the Director will build key relationships that are of strategic value to the University and will enhance the reputation of the University by providing opportunities to build on our research strengths and create innovative research opportunities. 

As a strategic leader, you will oversee the alignment and implementation of business plans, operational activity and strategic projects across the Global Research Engagement team, ensuring partnerships, strategic funding schemes, and regional international engagement deliver against strategic objectives to boost research performance. You will establish and coordinate control frameworks to deliver strategic initiatives, manage production of regular reports, ensure compliance, manage risk, and oversee financial performance of the area. You will also drive the agenda for working groups relating to international reputation and rankings and coordinate relevant committees on behalf of the PVC (GRE).

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• provide strategic and operational advice to the PVC GRE including in relation to non-routine matters, prepare decision and position papers, support, and policy advice on a broad range of research partnership issues, inclusive of appropriate and relevant analysis, business strategy and sound recommendations

• oversee the alignment and implementation of business planning, operating activity and strategic projects and services across Global Research Engagement

• have a strategic focus on lifting research performance through all engagement activities 

• actively engage and maintain key stakeholder relationships across the University including the Faculties and Schools, MDIs, Research Centres and Professional Service Unit leaders, to enable development and implementation of the Research Engagement strategy

• monitor the overarching performance, governance and impact of strategic partnerships, international network affiliations and associated funding schemes to maximise opportunities for our University of Sydney research community

• manage the identification and management of risks that threaten the efficient and effective execution of the strategy or the delivery of core services across operating units,

• provide effective leadership and management guidance and support to the professional staff in the Global Research Engagement team

• oversees the efficient utilisation and deployment of resources across operating units and any related entities

About you

• postgraduate qualifications in a relevant field with extensive relevant experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience

• an outstanding understanding of international research opportunities in the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia and how these may translate to the University’s research strategy

• proven leadership and coaching skills, including acting strategically, driving creativity, innovation and change within complex organisations and projects

• highly developed communication, negotiation, interpersonal and representational skills including a track record of working effectively in a cross-cultural context to enhance international networks and establish strategic relationships

• demonstrated experience in leading strategy and policy development, planning and policy review and implementation.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. For a continuing position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfac