Grants Manager

Alternate Titles:

Research Grants Manager, Manager – Research Grants, Senior Manager – Research Proposals and Awards

General role description

Grants Managers oversee the planning, coordination and administration of research funding across universities and medical research institutes.

They support researchers in developing competitive grant applications, ensure adherence to complex funding rules, and manage internal processes related to proposal submission, review, and award.

These roles sit at the intersection of research strategy, compliance, and operations, playing a critical role in enabling successful health and medical research outcomes.

Key responsibilities

  • Managing the development and submission of research grant applications
  • Providing expert advice on eligibility, compliance, and funding scheme requirements
  • Coordinating internal review, approval and submission processes
  • Supporting the strategic alignment of proposals with institutional research priorities
  • Overseeing post-award management of funded projects, including reporting and budget compliance
  • Building and leading high-performing teams within research services portfolios
  • Engaging with internal and external stakeholders, including funding bodies
  • Driving process improvements and service excellence across grant operations

Workplace settings

  • Universities and medical research institutes
  • Healthcare settings

Required qualifications

  • A degree in research management, public administration, science, health, or a related field.

Other notable requirements

Grants managers often need:

  • In-depth knowledge of major funding schemes (e.g. NHMRC, ARC) and research grant processes
  • Experience managing pre- and post-award grant functions in research settings
  • Strong leadership and team management skills
  • Advanced knowledge of research governance, compliance and grant lifecycles
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with academic and administrative stakeholders
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
  • A commitment to supporting research excellence and continuous improvement

Common entry points

Research Contracts Advisor

Senior Research Administrator

Project or Program Manager in a research organisation

Common Next Roles

Director of Research Services

Head of Research Strategy or Research Development

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