Program Manager, NRAS - Perth, Australia - Curtin University

Description

• 3-Year Full-time contract | $129,460 - $136,796 (G % Super
• Be the beating heart of our NRAS's campaigns, lead our AUKUS and Naval programs
• Work closely with our Academic faculties and schools, to deliver on our mission

Job Reference:

Curtin University invites dynamic and strategic leaders to apply for the Program Manager position within the National Resilience & Security (NRAS) Program Office. This is more than a job; it's a calling for those who are passionate about making a difference at the intersection of academia, industry, and government in the realm of national security and resilience. The focus for this role is in particular around AUKUS and Navy programs.

Your new role

The Program Manager, National Resilience & Security (NRAS) Program Office, will plan, manage and coordinate a range of strategic and operational initiatives across our Defence, National Security and Space portfolio. Reporting to the Director, NRAS, the incumbent will identify, develop and manage large programmatic opportunities that help the University translate world-class research and innovation, as well as support workforce development, with respect to opportunities in the defence, national resilience and security, and space sectors.

This will include development of proposals and business cases with Government, Academic and Industry partners, both domestic and international. This involves developing multi-party funding initiatives, through program creation, management and support to our Researchers to fully realise the impact of Curtin teaching and research, including facilitation of these activities within a secure environment.

As a key leader in NRAS, you will liaise with researchers, wider academics and school and faculty leaders, as well as government, defence, civil and industry leaders, to develop enduring sovereign partnerships and local ecosystems that underpin the growth of high-quality defence, national resilience and security, and space science innovation engines for Australia.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a thorough appreciation of the depth and breadth of science and innovation research at Curtin University, and its application to resolving issues and/or delivering innovation in the defence, national security and space domains.
• Develop a strong understanding of the defence, national security and space domains, including Australia's growth of sovereign capabilities and potential funding models to develop research and innovation partnerships with government, defence, civil and industry stakeholders.
• Identify and leverage opportunities to secure funding to support the growth of Curtin's defence, national security and space portfolios.
• Engage with government, defence, civil and industry leaders, in support of building effective collaboration models, including development of local WA ecosystems, for the delivery of superior defence, national security and space outcomes.
• Plan, direct, and co-ordinate activities to manage and implement the programs, from idea through to proposal initiation, and final operational stage, including the transition into "business-as-usual" (BAU).
• Engage and influence senior managers and key stakeholders to ensure projects will deliver on agreed objectives and align with relevant strategic plans and business goals.
• Work with stakeholders to prepare business cases and project briefs to support project proposals.
• Ensure appropriate risk management is carried out for projects, escalating risks as required to ensure action is taken to mitigate them.
• Act as a Security Officer (SO) under the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), in line with Defence expectations and guidelines.

We Seek a Candidate Who:

• Exhibits proven leadership capabilities, with a track record of delivering results and adeptly managing change.
• Demonstrates exceptional strategic planning, market and wider stakeholder engagement and trust, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships with ease.
• Has a strong background in government and industry engagement within classified security domains, and can quickly learn the intricacies of University research agreements for the defence, national security and space sectors.
• Undergraduate qualifications and a wealth of experience in business development and stakeholder management within complex environments, ideally within a University, research centre, defence, or industry setting.

High performing candidates without demonstrated experience relevant to some of these criteria are still encouraged to apply and demonstrate their experience in a relevant space, and/or their ability to quickly develop new skills. We are looking for diversity in experience, thought and approach.

Essential Requirements:

• The successful candidate will be required to obtain an Australian 'NV-1' level security Clearance, which includes comprehensive personal screenings. On commencement, a security clearance application must be submitted as a priority. Continued employment is contingent on a successful granting, and ongoing maintenance, of the clearance.
• This role would normally be restricted to, and require you to maintain, Australian Citizenship. Consideration may be given to citizens of New Zealand, United States, Canada, or United Kingdom who have, or recently maintained a security clearance, if the clearance can be recognised by AGSVA.

To learn more about this opportunity please contact Gary Hale, Director, National Resilience & Security (NRAS) Program Office on

Why Choose Us?

You'll be part of a team that's at the forefront of Australia's national resilience and security research, and workforce innovation, the first 'one-stop program office' contributing directly to shaping policies, programs and practices that have real-world impact. This role offers the chance to collaborate with top-tier professionals across defence, national security and resilience and space sectors, from academia to government and defence, and to make a real impact in enhancing Australia's national security and economic prosperity.

If you're ready to channel your expertise into a role that matters, to innovate within a supportive, growing and ambitious team, and to make a tangible difference in the field of national resilience and security, we want to hear from you.

About Curtin

Curtin University is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant campus includes a gym, day-care centre, a medical centre, art gallery, endless food options including a supermarket, beautiful gardens, end-of-trip facilities, good parking, and excellent public transport connections.

• Global Excellence: Curtin University proudly stands among the top one percent of global universities according to the ARWU 2023 rankings.
• Rewards Beyond Salary: Enjoy the perks of a generous superannuation contribution (17%) with cash out options*, customisable salary packaging benefits through Paywise; as well as Hotel and Health Insurance discounts.
• Time Well-Spent: Experience the added value of 17.5% Leave Loading, with the option to be paid out or taken as additional leave. Benefit from Parental Leave (26 weeks for the primary caregiver), Annual Leave (20 days), Personal Leave (14 days), Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Leave (5 days)*, Study Leave, and Community Service Leave. Plus 18% more observed days off - enjoy 12 Public Holidays each year (including Easter Tuesday), and 2 extra University Days over the Christmas/New Year Period (see EBA 51.1 and 51.9).
• Recognition for Prior Service: Curtin recognises prior service for long service leave purposes. New Curtin employees may be* eligible if they have worked for an Australian University, public service or other recognised institution.
• Health and Wellness: Our on-campus Medical Centre prioritises Curtin staff and students. Join Curtin's Healthy Lifestyle Program, with up to 2 hours per week of paid time off to engage in University-approved healthy lifestyle activities. Explore Curtin's wellbeing locations at

For more information about our university, please visit

Join us

As part of your application, please include the following:

• a copy of your current CV
• a cover letter on why you want this role, what you bring to this role, and addressing the selection criteria (outlined in the position description) to allow us to assess your suitability.

To view a copy of the position description with selection criteria please copy the link below into your browser:

Applications close: Monday 6 May 2024, 12PM (AWST)

Applicants should note that prior to appointment, any offer of employment is subject to completion of National Police Records checks, and background, integrity, and reference checks to Curtin's satisfaction. At Curtin, we are committed to being a Child Safe organisation and this position may also require you to have a current Working With Children Check. You must have working rights for the duration of this role to be considered.

If you have any queries in relation to this application process, please contact our careers team on option 3,1), quoting the reference number.

Please note we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies at this time.