Job Description Research is the beating heart of every great university. It fuels discovery, deepens understanding, informs student experience and drives the innovations that shape a better world. At Griffith University, we are proud to be at the forefront of this global mission, making significant contributions to Queensland, Australia and the world through groundbreaking research and development and nurturing the next generation of visionary research leaders. The new ARC Centre of Excellence in Transforming Human Origins Research will exemplify this vision by transforming our understanding of why and how our species, Homo sapiens, is the only surviving human on our planet. The Centre will mobilise Indigenous, Global South and Western expertise to examine under- researched regions in Africa, Asia, and Australia. This novel synthesis aims to address how we became a versatile, global species, resilient to profound environmental changes over the last 300,000 years. Outcomes will include new scientific models and revisions to public education and policies about our history, our biological, and cultural relationships to one another, and how we have reshaped ecosystems worldwide. Benefits include a transformed, ethically engaged study of human origins for the betterment of society. We are seeking a Chief Centre Operations Officer to partner with the Centre Director and lead the strategy and day-to-day operations of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Transforming Human Origins Research. You’ll drive planning, governance, risk and compliance, and oversee budgets, financial reporting and resource allocation across a national network of nodes, investigators and partner organisations. You’ll lead a high-performing operations team, strengthen cross-institutional collaboration, and build streamlined systems that enable research excellence and impact. As the Chief Centre Operations Officer, you will play a key role in shaping the operation of the Centre. We are especially interested in candidates with demonstrated expertise across the following responsibilities: Strategic and operational planning Day-to-day operations and stakeholder/partner coordination Financial management (budgeting, reporting, audits) Governance, risk, compliance and quality assurance Leadership of the operations team, continuous improvement, and performance/reporting frameworks About you The successful candidate will have a Postgraduate qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, with extensive senior leadership/management experience. You will also have: Extensive knowledge of issues affecting research funding in Australia especially in relation to government, industry and philanthropic funding sources. Experience in large-scale ARC administration, such as the functioning of Centres of Excellence, is highly regarded. Extensive experience in strategic planning, operations and resource management, finance and budget administration, and corporate governance within a complex organisation. Demonstrated experience and interest in research relevant to the Centre (human origins) or other related areas of transdisciplinary research. Demonstrated experience in working with Indigenous and international partners and organisations. Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are strongly encouraged. What we can offer This is a fixed term (7 years), full-time position primarily based at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan). As Griffith is a multi-site University you may be required to work across other locations. Griffith University’s campuses are located on the lands of the Yugarabul, Yuggera, Jagera, Turrbal, Yugambeh and Kombumerri peoples. Lifestyle that works for you Based in Southeast Queensland, this role offers more than a career; it offers a way of life. Experience a vibrant and fast-growing region as it prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Enjoy effortless access to worldclass beaches and stunning hinterland, complemented by a relaxed outdoor lifestyle, excellent schools, high-quality healthcare, and strong connectivity. Griffith University’s campuses across the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane foster strong professional networks and a deeply connected academic community. Salary Range The full-time base salary for a HEW Level 10 is $147,057 per annum, plus 17% superannuation. The total package will be $172,057 per annum.
