Business Development Manager – Academic Research and Capability, NSW Space Research Network

Full-time, 12-month fixed term position with possible extension. Located at The NSW Space Research Network (SRN) in Eveleigh

Opportunity to drive impactful partnerships, transform research into tangible ventures, and contribute to strategic growth

Base Salary $152,045 - $160,430 (HEO9) + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The NSW Space Research Network (SRN) is a university-led initiative of the NSW Government designed to enhance NSW space industry capability through collaboration with government and academic research institutions.

The SRN builds and supports collaboration and coordination between government, industry and research organisations to deliver space research and research translation to industry.

We are focused on positioning NSW enterprises to compete on National and International stages by leveraging available funding opportunities both domestically and overseas. We will do this by connecting key stakeholders to undertake research and development activities aimed at translation into the space sector.

We are seeking a Business Development Manager - Academic Research and Capability (BDM) to join this exciting venture. Working with the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Directors, the BDM will lead network efforts in identifying, securing and supporting new engagement opportunities with potential partners that lead to funding opportunities through commissioned projects and by attracting paying members to the Network.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

lead strategic business development and planning

provide expert strategic advice on commercialisation pathways ensuring integration of internal policies, external regulatory and industry requirements

policy development, governance and corporate advice

stakeholder engagement and external liaison

operational management and compliance

risk, financial resources and program management

leadership and people management

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Business Development Manager - Academic Research and Capability who has:

in-depth understanding of an academic research environment

experience in the higher education sector

technical background in Science or Engineering

high proficiency in structuring and negotiating commercial agreements

proven experience with legal, intellectual property and commercial frameworks

financial management experience and literacy, experience managing budgets and controlling income and expenditure

people leadership experience

experience in the space research sector, with an established academic research network would be highly regarded.

Work Rights: you must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion , evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People , women , people living with a disability , people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds , and those who identify as LGBTIQ+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion .

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Monika Browning, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Tuesday 29 September 2026 11:59 PM