Chief Centre Operations Officer

Every institution values excellence. What matters most is why.
Griffith was created to be a different type of university. You’ll find we’re about leading research, academic excellence, and the transformative power of education. But what sets us apart is why those things matter and how you’ll achieve them.

Why? Griffith brings together exceptional minds like yours from across the globe and from all walks of life. Here, we do incredible work, questioning and challenging, always in the pursuit of excellence.

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.

Why Griffith?
As a values-led organisation, at Griffith University, we've worked hard to create a dynamic and strong organisational culture. We offer:

• Wide range of Learning and Development opportunities
• Mix of on campus and work from home options available and a supportive work environment
• Salary packaging options and corporate health discounts
• Generous leave entitlements including paid parental leave and leave loading
• Support with future learning opportunities through our educational staff assistance scheme
• Health Safety and Wellbeing initiatives – on campus Gym facilities

How to apply
At Griffith, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all - whoever you are and wherever you’re from. If you require any accommodations, we welcome you to let us know so we can work with you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.

Griffith University values diversity, inclusion and flexibility and we encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and people of all backgrounds to apply. For more information please visit our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion page. Our University is committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive community for all. In alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence (2025), Griffith University includes a declaration as part of the recruitment journey to uphold the values and standards of our community. Griffith University also maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against all forms of modern slavery. For more information, please refer to Griffith’s Modern Slavery Policy.

If you are ready to contribute to a values-led university and build a meaningful professional career while enjoying an exceptional lifestyle, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now and join us in shaping the future, strengthening communities, and contributing to human origins research in Queensland, on the national and international stage.

Please submit your application online and ensure it includes the following:

• A covering letter outlining your suitability for the role (please refer to the About you section above and the position description)
• Current curriculum vitae/resume including full contact details
• Names and contact details of at least two professional referees (no contact will be made without your permission)

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Successful candidates may be subject to a criminal history check.

For further information specifically about this role, please contact Professor Michael Petraglia, Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for Transforming Human Origins Research at [email protected].

For further application and recruitment advice, please contact Theresa Burke, Talent Acquisition Partner on [email protected].

Closing date: Wednesday, 10 June 2026 at 11.59pm AEST. All applications must be submitted online.

Please allow at least 1 – 2 weeks from the closing date to expect an application update.