Vacancy Details


Head of Research – Ongoing, Full Time

AFTRS is Australia's Screen and Broadcast School, established to fuel and empower Australian creativity and storytelling. AFTRS is consistently rated as one of the top film schools in the world.

We are looking for a dynamic and innovative thought leader, experienced in research, to join our team as we embark on an exciting new five-year strategy. Reporting to the CEO, you will play a vital role in developing and driving AFTRS Research Strategy, working with our amazing team as well as high profile industry stakeholders implementing and supporting high-impact practice-based projects from inception through to publication and dissemination.

About the role:

As Head of Research at AFTRS, you will:

  • Work closely with the CEO and Director, Teaching & Learning to implement and manage AFTRS Research Strategy Framework in line with Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) guidelines and the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research, 2018.
  • Work across school divisions to manage a program of internal and externally partnered research projects that meet the strategic objectives of the school, the AFTRS Research Policy Framework, AFTRS First Nations Policy, identified industry need and funding opportunities.
  • Work with external stakeholders in education, government and the screen and broadcast industries to seek out, establish and manage high-impact research partnerships.
  • Work with research teams to ensure project goals, timelines and deliverables are met within agreed resource parameters.
  • Establish and maintain relationships within the national and international industry and academia, including research networks and funding bodies, to increase collaborative opportunities and deliver relevant, useful and impactful research.
  • Represent the School in a range of external settings including briefings, presentations, events, with key stakeholders including TEQSA, other Universities and Industry and Government stakeholders.

About you:

  1. Postgraduate research degree in screen arts, audio, broadcast, or education.
  2. Significant experience delivering high-impact, best-practice research projects.
  3. Demonstrated record of strategic leadership.
  4. Excellent stakeholder management and the capacity to deliver projects across sectors.
  5. Advanced project management skills demonstrated by management of projects which span across a number of departments/whole organisation and require engagement and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
  6. Demonstrated high level communication skills and a proven ability to liaise, negotiate, consult, and influence stakeholders’ partners.
  7. Values-led with strong personal drive and integrity, including demonstrated use of initiative, flexibility, and resourcefulness.

This position is open to all Australian citizens or Permanent Residents.

As a creative organisation, we understand the importance of offering flexible working to support your own creativity, wellbeing and balance. We will genuinely consider applications for job share and part time working. We also support working from home and flexible working hours.

AFTRS is committed to building a richly diverse staff and faculty. AFTRS actively supports and appreciates workplace diversity, First Nations values, and we strongly encourage and welcome applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from a wide range of backgrounds and people with a disability. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments through our recruitment and selection process. If you require any reasonable adjustments, please contact [email protected] or 9805 6610.

Please note, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a Working with Children Check.  

Salary:  AFTRS Academic 3, Level 3 $156,151 + up to 15.4% super, plus excellent benefits.