Head, Graduate Research Services

• Full time, continuing opportunity
• Lead strategic transformation and service excellence across the University's graduate research candidature functions
• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Graduate Research School is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join the team as Head, Graduate Research Services. Reporting to the Director, Graduate Research School, this pivotal leadership role is responsible for leading the HDR Administration Centre and delivering high-quality services and operational support across the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) lifecycle.

As a key member of the Graduate Research School leadership team, you will play an important role in shaping the strategic direction of graduate research administration at the University. Working closely with senior academic and professional staff stakeholders, you will lead the development and implementation of initiatives that enhance the experience of HDR candidates and supervisors, drive service excellence, and support the University's research training objectives.

The role involves leading a team, developing capability, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, and empowering staff to deliver high-quality services to the University's research community. You will champion operational excellence, strengthen collaboration across the University, and foster a positive, high-performing environment that supports both employee success and outstanding service delivery.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced people leader who enjoys developing teams, driving meaningful change, and making a significant contribution to the future of research training at one of Australia's leading universities.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• provide strategic advice and operational support to the Director, Graduate Research School, the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Researcher Training) and senior University stakeholders
• lead the delivery of high-quality, client-focused services across the HDR lifecycle
• lead, develop and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and service excellence
• drive service innovation, process improvement and HDR systems enhancements
• manage governance, compliance, policy implementation and operational risk across the Graduate Research School
• build and maintain productive partnerships with faculties, schools and professional service units.

About you

• proven senior leadership experience within a complex organisational environment
• demonstrated success leading large operational or student service functions and driving organisational improvement
• experience leading and developing teams, building capability and fostering a high-performing and engaged workforce
• expertise in governance, compliance, policy implementation and service delivery frameworks
• demonstrated ability to influence, negotiate and build effective partnerships with senior stakeholders across a complex organisation
• postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of training and experience; familiarity with the HDR environment is highly desirable.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

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 satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nicole Turle, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Thursday 19 November 2026 11:59 PM