OVERVIEW The Manager, HDR Admissions, Scholarships and Examinations is a senior professional leadership role within RMIT University’s School of Graduate Research, part of the Research and Innovation Portfolio. Based in Melbourne with hybrid working options, this full-time fixed-term position runs until April 2027 and focuses on leading high-quality service delivery across the higher degree by research (HDR) candidature lifecycle. The role combines strategic oversight with detailed operational management in a complex university environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – Lead and manage high-performing service delivery teams responsible for HDR admissions, scholarships and examinations – Oversee complex operational processes across the candidature lifecycle, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and compliance with policy and regulatory requirements – Drive operational excellence, continuous improvement and customer-focused service outcomes – Provide expert advice on admissions, scholarships and examination matters – Translate complex policy and regulatory information into effective operational solutions – Plan, lead and manage change initiatives aligned with organisational objectives – Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, senior leaders and external parties – Prepare and present recommendations, business cases, proposals and analytical reports – Support quality assurance and service improvement within a fast-paced, high-volume environment REQUIREMENTS – Demonstrated experience leading and managing high-performing, stakeholder-focused teams within a graduate research or university setting – Strong graduate research experience or experience in a related operational function – High-level strategic thinking, problem-solving and analytical capability – Proven ability to manage issues at both strategic and detailed operational levels – Experience planning, leading and delivering change in a dynamic and complex environment – Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills across multiple organisational levels – Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presenting complex information clearly – Highly developed organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure – A proactive, adaptable and stakeholder-focused approach to work – Demonstrated alignment with RMIT values, leadership capabilities and professional capability framework – Ability to meet compliance requirements, including Working with Children and National Police Checks WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS This role plays a critical part in ensuring that HDR candidates receive accurate, timely and high-quality support from admission through to examination. Effective leadership in this area directly impacts research quality, candidate experience and institutional compliance. By driving service excellence and continuous improvement, the role supports RMIT’s broader research and innovation mission. BONUS: APPLICATION ADVICE – Clearly demonstrate your experience leading teams within graduate research, admissions, scholarships or similar higher education operations – Use examples that show how you have balanced strategic leadership with hands-on operational management – Highlight your experience managing change, particularly in complex or regulated environments – Emphasise your ability to communicate complex policies or data to diverse stakeholders – Align your leadership approach with values-driven, inclusive and service-focused team cultures – Address each selection criterion directly and link your experience to HDR or university-wide service delivery outcomes