Senior Research Program Coordinator

About the role

You will cultivate and manage external research partnerships for the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, working with government, industry and community partners to support Institute-led research nationally and internationally. You will plan and coordinate partner engagement, including meetings, site visits and stakeholder briefings, and maintain clear two-way communication that supports collaboration and knowledge transfer. You will also liaise with SAO, Services & Operations to promote partnership activities through appropriate channels, including social media. You will be the administration point of contact for new funding applications and related enquiries. This includes interpreting funding rules and guidelines, supporting the development of business cases, providing feedback on written applications, and preparing accurate research budgets that align with funding agreements. You will support researchers and Institute leadership to progress submissions efficiently, bringing attention to detail and a disciplined approach to deadlines and compliance expectations. You will support the development of strategic research programs aligned to Institute priorities across horticulture, agriculture, forestry, ecology and environment. You will regularly review researcher portals such as Research Professional and Grant Connect, sharing timely reminders about internal deadlines and emerging opportunities with Institute and school-based collaborators. You will coordinate the Industry internship program with Hort Innovation, build and maintain a strong professional network across the University and externally, and represent the Institute at relevant industry conferences. You will manage competing priorities across multiple stakeholder groups while maintaining service quality and delivering timely outcomes. What Success Looks Like: Research partnerships are actively managed, with effective engagement and follow-through. Funding applications are supported with compliant advice, clear business cases and accurate budgets. Strategic research programs progress in line with Institute priorities and agreed timelines. Funding opportunities and deadlines are tracked and communicated through researcher portals. The Industry internship program with Hort Innovation is delivered smoothly and to schedule.. Please refer to the Position Description for full details. About You You hold a degree in a relevant discipline (horticulture, agriculture, or environment science), along with equivalent experience in research administration. You have experience managing partnerships and stakeholder engagement, ideally within a research or higher education environment. You bring strong project management capability, including planning and budget management in line with funding agreements. You have supported research project development in an advisory capacity, including both pre- and post-award grant support. You demonstrate high-level written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and work to tight deadlines.