Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI)
Full-time (100%), fixed-term position through to January 2027
Base salary will be in the range $95,361.61 - $102,302.91 + 17% super (HEW Level 6)
Based at our St Lucia Campus
In this role, you will play a pivotal part in enabling the Centre for Horticultural Science to operate with clarity, confidence and momentum. Working in a highly collaborative and purpose‑driven environment, you will provide senior administrative leadership and operational coordination across the Centre, supporting academic and professional colleagues to deliver impactful research, partnerships and engagement.
You will bring structure to complexity, translate policy into practice, and ensure the Centre’s people, processes and priorities are aligned and well supported.
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
Designing, implementing and continuously improving administrative and business processes to meet the operational needs of the Centre, including executive assistance and diary management for the Centre Director
Providing high‑level administrative expertise, including interpreting policies, procedures and entitlements, and responding to complex or non‑routine enquiries
Coordinating financial and procurement activities, including exercising delegated financial authority in line with University policies
Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the Centre’s objectives, and supporting the delivery of events, engagement activities and travel coordination across the Centre and Institute
You will bring a proactive, organised and service‑oriented approach, with the confidence to operate autonomously while contributing as part of a collegiate team.
You will demonstrate:
A degree with subsequent relevant experience, or extensive experience and specialist expertise in administrative or business operations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Proven ability to deliver high‑quality customer service with excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills
Strong proficiency across the Microsoft Office suite and confidence working with management information systems
Well‑developed office management and organisational capabilities
Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures and regulatory frameworks
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience coordinating projects, events or complex administrative activities
Highly effective time management, problem‑solving and prioritisation skills, with the capacity to rapidly acquire knowledge of University systems and processes
As part of the UQ community, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside the brightest minds, who have joined us from all over the world, working together to create a better world. Join a community where excellence is at the core of our culture, contributions are valued and a range of benefits and rewards are available.
Enjoy up to 26 weeks paid parental and primary care leave, 17% super, 17.5% leave loading, flexible and hybrid working options, health and wellbeing programs, a heavily discounted Study for Staff program, on‑campus childcare, affordable parking, and salary packaging.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Dr Rona Barugahare at qaafi.operations.manager@uq.edu.au
For application inquiries, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team at talent@uq.edu.au, stating the job reference number (below) in the subject line.
When you apply, please ensure you upload a resume and cover letter summarizing how your background aligns to the ‘About You’ section. Please note that applications received via email will not be accepted.
Pre-employment checks may include: verification of the right to work in Australia, background checks. This may also include checks relating to gender-based violence matters or other integrity and conduct requirements.
You must maintain unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this appointment to apply. Employer sponsored work rights are not available for this appointment.
We're dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion We recognise that career pathways and opportunities differ, and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criteria but can demonstrate their potential relative to opportunity. We’re also happy to support any accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process. Just let us know how we can help by emailing talent@uq.edu.au or calling +61 7 3365 2623.
Applications close Sunday 14 June 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-64355). Please note that interviews have been tentatively scheduled for mid-late June.
