DPI Partnerships Manager

About This Opportunity

This role is responsible for co-managing QAAFI’s strategic partnership with the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), including the coordination of funding processes, governance committees (GPAC and RPC), and delivery of reporting obligations under the Research Funding Agreement. The position develops and maintains strong working relationships with DPI stakeholders and internal QAAFI teams, ensuring accurate and timely reporting, maintenance of key registers (including IP, risk and research facility access), and effective administration of the Annual Research Plan and associated financial compliance and reporting.

In addition, the role provides high-level program and initiative support across QAAFI’s research pipeline, working closely with Centre Directors, Chief Investigators and internal business units to ensure research opportunities are accurately captured, prioritised and progressed. This includes supporting data management systems, financial and pipeline reporting, budget development, and the transition of opportunities through to funded project proposals, while ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and compliance requirements.

Key responsibilities will include, but not limited to: 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with DPI stakeholders to support QAAFI’s Alliance partnership and ensure effective collaboration and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Manage the DPI Annual Research Plan funding lifecycle, including allocation, acquittal and governance support, and provide secretariat and advisory services for key committees such as GPAC and RPC.
• Lead coordination of DPI reporting and compliance obligations, including preparation and submission of scheduled and ad hoc reports, and maintenance of key registers including IP, risk and research facility access.
• Liaise with Finance teams to assist in the delivery of financial acquittal and project allocation and finance reporting.
• Oversee cross-functional coordination across QAAFI to manage research pipeline activities, support data and financial reporting, and ensure progression of opportunities from pre-pipeline through to funded project delivery.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position through to 17 May 2029 at HEW 8.

About You

• Completion of post graduate qualifications or progress towards postgraduate qualifications with subsequent extensive relevant administrative or project coordination/management experience in a tertiary education institution or other educational services provider, including a at an intermediate level successfully influencing staff to achieve effective outcomes. Knowledge and experience in agricultural and/or food industries is highly advantageous, especially in a research context.
• Demonstrated experience of project coordination responsibilities including assisting with research project budgets, contracting processes, project reporting and financial reporting requirements within a higher education research funding or other contractual funding environment.
• High level of computer skills, in particular the Microsoft suite of products (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook) and other specialist software applications and databases (e.g. SmartSheet) or the ability to rapidly gain such knowledge.
• Demonstrated experience supporting financial reporting and assisting with the development, monitoring and reconciliation of project budgets.
• Excellent interpersonal skills (including written and verbal communication), with experience in liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including the ability to provide advice and negotiate to achieve desired outcomes.
• High level analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to perform statistical analyses, explain data trends and develop innovative solutions to problems.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team, managing workloads and multiple projects in an environment characterised by tight and competing deadlines.
• Ability to use sound judgement and initiative in non-routine situations and adaptable to change.

Interested?

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Michael O’Shea - [email protected]

For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at [email protected], stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line. 

When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section.

Other Information 

Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, qualifications, criminal history checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.

We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing [email protected] or calling +61 7 3365 2623.

Applications close 14 June 2026  at 11.00pm AEST (R-64676). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid to late June

#LI-DNI