• $189,749 + up to 17% Superannuation
• Salary packaging of up to $18,500 p.a.
• Full-time, Ongoing
• Additional leave days

The role

The Head of Grants is a senior leadership role responsible for developing and implementing the grant strategy of The Florey to maximise funding success. This position oversees the complete grant lifecycle, including pre- and post-award administration, compliance, operational oversight, financial management, and budgeting. The role is critical in driving The Florey’s research agenda by improving success in competitive grant applications to national and international funding bodies. The Head of Grants will work with the Head of Philanthropy to facilitate grant applications to trusts, foundations and other philanthropic granting bodies. The role will involve interaction with the Head of Commercialisation to support applications for research commercialisation grants.

Key Responsibilities

The candidate Primary responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Grant Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive grant strategy aligned with the Florey’s research priorities.
• Increase the Florey’s success rate in securing competitive grants, with a focus on NHMRC, MRFF, ARC, international granting agencies as well as trusts & foundations.
• Work closely with researchers and the Executive leadership to identify strategic funding opportunities and develop high-quality, competitive grant applications.
• Provide expert advice on funding opportunities, policy changes, and emerging trends in grant funding.
• Implement and oversee a grant applications register and use this to inform grant revenue forecasting.
• Identify and work with the IT team to implement novel information management systems and digital processes to optimise aspects of grant review and submission.

Pre-Award and Grant Application Support

• Oversee the development and submission of high-quality grant applications, ensuring alignment with the requirements of funding bodies and Florey priorities.
• Establish processes to support researchers in identifying and applying for grant opportunities.
• Provide mentoring and training to researchers on grant writing, proposal development, and funding strategies.
• Facilitate internal and external grant review processes to enhance the quality of applications.

Post-Award Grant Management and Compliance

• Ensure effective post-award grant administration, including compliance with funding agreements, financial oversight, and reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain robust policies and procedures for grant management, ensuring adherence to institutional, national, and international regulations.
• Work closely with the finance team to monitor grant budgets, financial reporting, and risk management.
• Liaise with funding agencies and stakeholders to ensure compliance with grant conditions and regulatory obligations.
• Collate indicators of grant outputs and impact, including a register of publications.
• Oversee open access publication repositories for the institute.

Operational Oversight and Continuous Improvement

• Build and lead a high-performing grants management team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Implement best practices in grants administration to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure grant success and impact, providing regular reports to senior leadership.
• Promote collaboration across research teams and external partners to maximize funding opportunities.

Detailed information and key responsibilities are available from the Position Description. 

The role attracts an annual salary offer of $189,749 (Professional Staff Level 10D), commensurate with experience.

 About you:

The successful candidate will have:

• Postgraduate qualification in science or health-related degree, or graduate qualification with extensive relevant experience. A PhD is desirable.
• Extensive experience in research grant administration and strategy development, preferably within a medical research institute, university, or funding agency.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing competitive grants, particularly NHMRC and MRFF funding.
• Strong knowledge of research funding policies, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Experience in financial management & budgeting for research projects.
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate with researchers, executive leadership, and external stakeholders to drive strategic grant initiatives.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Excellent time management and project management skills.
• Strategic or governance experience in an academic or medical research setting.
• Contemporary understanding of the grant landscape.
• Experience working with Trusts, Endowments and Foundations.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a small team, ensuring timely completion of tasks.
• Experience preparing grant applications and progress reports for funding bodies.
• Experience in international grant funding and philanthropic grant opportunities.
• Familiarity with emerging trends in research funding and policy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic research environment.

How to Apply

If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with a Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience and your Resume. Please note that you are not required to respond to the selection criteria in the Position Description.

Applications are to be submitted by 5pm on Sunday 6th April. 

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia. You may also be asked to consent to a criminal record check.

Working at the Florey:
With a 50-year history, the Florey is the largest brain research centre in the Southern Hemisphere, with teams of researchers dedicated to building knowledge on a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions.  https://florey.edu.au/our-research/impact/

Our reputation for innovative research and our position as the leading brain research institute in the Southern Hemisphere attracts the best and brightest.

The Florey is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, being a parent or having caring responsibilities.

We also provide flexible leave entitlements including purchased leave, gender affirmation leave, ceremonial leave along with additional non-gazetted Florey holidays.

Learn more about working at the Florey at https://florey.edu.au/careers-and-study/working-at-the-florey/

For enquiries, please contact our People and Culture Team on employment@florey.edu.au.