NRAS Program Manager

Job Reference: 1066307

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 is to identify, develop and manage 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.

About the 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 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, the role 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, influence and negotiate with key stakeholders such as 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.
• Work with stakeholders to prepare grants, business cases and project briefs to support project proposals.
• 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).
• Ensure appropriate risk management is carried out for projects, escalating risks as required to ensure action is taken to mitigate them.
• Manage program governance, chair stakeholder meetings, convene focus groups and deliver high level presentations to relevant groups and other appropriate stakeholders across the University.
• Oversee and be accountable for the implementation of program deliverables and ensure any new capabilities are deployed and integrated into the business in a way that is sensitive and compatible with business operations.

We Seek a Candidate Who (selection criteria):

• 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.
• Demonstrated high level interpersonal and oral communication skills with the ability to negotiate and navigate complex stakeholder relationships with ease using appropriate influencing styles to achieve outcomes.

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.

Role Requirements:

• Criminal record check in accordance with the University's relevant procedure.
• Australian Govt NV1 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.
• A level of fitness commensurate with the position.
• Interstate and/or overseas travel may be required.
• Ability to work outside of normal office hours when required.

About Curtin University

We are an energetic, dedicated team of academics and professionals working together to provide global solutions through quality graduates and innovative research. Curtin is a welcoming space where integrity, respect for one another, courage, excellence, and impact are essential to everyday life. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information, please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page - https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-at-curtin/

What We Offer You:

Situated on Whadjuk Nyungar Country, our vibrant Bentley campus includes an art gallery, gym, childcare and medical centre, bus station, accessible parking and endless food options including a supermarket. Aside from the vibrant campus life, we offer more than just a job. Curtin offers a wide range of generous benefits, including additional leave, salary packaging, health and wellbeing services and an array of discounts for retail, travel and much more. For more information, check out our benefits page!

For more reasons to work at Curtin, please visit https://staff.curtin.edu.au/discover-curtin/

Join Us!

If this sounds like your next role, please click APPLY NOW and provide the following documents:

• CV
• Cover Letter outlining your interest and experience in relation selection criteria in the advert

If you have any queries in relation to this opportunity or the application process, please contact our careers team on [email protected] or 08 9266 9000 (option 3,1), quoting the reference number. Please note applications will not be accepted via this email address.

Applications close: Sunday, 24 August 2025.

Disclaimer: Please note that there is no standardised time for the closing of adverts on the specified date. Therefore, we recommend submitting your application ahead of this deadline. Late applications will not be considered, and only successful candidates will be contacted.

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

Curtin reserves the right at its sole discretion to withdraw from the recruitment process, not to make an appointment, or to appoint by invitation, at any time. We reserve the right to remove the advert earlier than the date on the advert.