📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Manager, Research Partnerships
🔹 Company: RMIT University
🔹 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Continuing position
🔹 Category: Research & Development
🔹 Date Posted: May 2, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days on-site)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving collaborative research initiatives to capture the value and impact of translational research
- Building and sustaining high-impact research partnerships across industry and government
- Providing advice and support to researchers in identifying, developing, and growing collaborative research initiatives
- Initiating and developing new business opportunities through external engagement
- Maintaining and deepening relationships with existing partners
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset and strong commercial acumen to navigate the complex research landscape and build productive partnerships.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Drive and support collaborative research initiatives that capture the value and impact of translational research
✅ Build and sustain high-impact research partnerships across industry and government
✅ Provide advice and support to researchers in identifying, developing, and growing collaborative research initiatives
✅ Initiate and develop new business opportunities through external engagement
✅ Maintain and deepen relationships with existing partners
✅ Build RMIT’s profile across key industry sectors
ASSUMPTION: This role involves working across teams and disciplines, requiring excellent communication and collaboration skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
Experience: Demonstrated experience in research engagement, business development, and partnership management across relevant industry sectors
Required Skills:
- Proven commercial acumen and negotiation skills
- Familiarity with research funding landscape, partnership contracting considerations, and translational pathways
- Strategic mindset and proactive approach to working across teams and disciplines
- Well-established networks across corporate, government, and research innovation ecosystems
- Exceptional influencing skills and ability to bring complex research ideas to life through effective partnership development
- Results-driven approach with strong time management and ability to prioritize competing demands
- Skilled at navigating complex stakeholder environments
Preferred Skills:
- Master's degree in a relevant field
- Experience in higher education or research institutions
ASSUMPTION: A background in research engagement, business development, and partnership management is essential for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: AUD 120,000 - 140,000 (Estimated, based on industry standards for a Manager role in Australia)
Benefits:
- 17% Superannuation
- Flexible Working Arrangements
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexible working arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Manager role in Australia, with experience and qualifications influencing the final offer.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Education Management
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 1968
Company Description:
- RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP) provides specialist education solutions to students, academics, and professionals
- Owned by RMIT University, RMIT UP offers a range of education services and products, including English language training and pathway programs
- With over 55 years of experience, RMIT UP focuses on getting students university-ready
Company Specialties:
- English training
- Aviation English
- Teacher training
- CELTA
- ELICOS
- Academic research
- Education
- Education provider
- Learning
- English teaching
- Teaching
- Academic English
- Online research
- Information management
- English language training
- Foundation studies
- Pathway programs
Company Website: RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP)
ASSUMPTION: RMIT UP is a subsidiary of RMIT University, focusing on providing education solutions and pathway programs for students and professionals.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Managerial
Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Director, Research Partnerships and Engagement
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days on-site, with flexible working arrangements)
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to senior management roles within the research partnerships and engagement team
- Expanding networks and partnerships across industry and government sectors
- Developing expertise in research funding, translational pathways, and partnership contracting
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the research partnerships and engagement team.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: University campus
Office Location(s): Melbourne CBD
Geographic Context:
- Melbourne is the second-most populous city in Australia and the capital of the state of Victoria
- The Melbourne CBD is the central business district of Melbourne, home to various industries and businesses
- RMIT University is a prominent institution in Melbourne, with a strong reputation for research and innovation
Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexible working arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between on-site collaboration and remote work, fostering flexibility and productivity.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- Face-to-face or video interview with the hiring manager
- Final interview with the panel
Key Assessment Areas:
- Understanding of research engagement, business development, and partnership management
- Commercial acumen and negotiation skills
- Strategic mindset and ability to work across teams and disciplines
- Networking and influencing skills
- Time management and prioritization skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the research funding landscape, partnership contracting, and translational pathways
- Showcase your ability to build and maintain productive research partnerships
ATS Keywords: Research engagement, business development, partnership management, commercial acumen, negotiation skills, research funding, partnership contracting, translational pathways, strategic mindset, collaboration, networking, influencing skills, time management, stakeholder management, results-driven, complex environments
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their relevant experience and skills in research engagement, business development, and partnership management to increase their chances of success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is beneficial but not always required, as training may be provided.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation and excellence
- Inclusion and diversity
- Integrity and accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-driven and proactive
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment, working across teams and disciplines?
- Are you comfortable navigating complex stakeholder environments and building productive research partnerships?
- Do you possess strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills, with a strategic mindset?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with RMIT UP's company values and work style to ensure a successful integration into the team.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing multiple priorities and competing demands
- Navigating a complex research landscape and stakeholder environment
- Building and maintaining productive research partnerships across industry and government sectors
- Keeping up-to-date with the latest research trends and funding opportunities
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong time management, prioritization, and communication skills to overcome.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other research partnership roles, this position requires a broader range of industry experience and a deeper understanding of research funding, partnership contracting, and translational pathways
- RMIT UP's focus on education solutions and pathway programs differentiates it from other research institutions
- Career progression in this role may involve expanding networks and partnerships, as well as developing expertise in research funding and translational pathways
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to other research partnership positions in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic research partnership plan for a specific industry sector
- Identifying and securing research funding opportunities to support collaborative research initiatives
- Building and maintaining productive research partnerships with key industry and government stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects highlight the key responsibilities and required skills for this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role contribute to RMIT UP's strategic research agenda?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the research partnerships and engagement team?
- How does RMIT UP support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and gain a better understanding of the work environment and opportunities for growth.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the RMIT Careers website
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for the interview by researching RMIT UP and the role's key responsibilities
- Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
