Executive Director, Digital Sydney presso University of Sydney

• Full time, 5-year fixed-term

• Lead a transformative digital strategy at enterprise scale, shaping the future of technology and innovation across a globally recognised institution

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Executive Director, Digital Sydney is a senior leadership role within the University’s ICT Executive Team, responsible for driving the development and implementation of the University’s digital strategy and transformation roadmap. This position plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational excellence, fostering innovation, and sustaining the University’s competitive edge through the strategic use of digital technologies.

The role oversees a complex portfolio, leading multiple senior teams and managing a diverse range of vendors and consultancies to deliver a cohesive and value-driven digital vision. It contributes to the broader ICT strategy, ensuring alignment with the University’s strategic objectives, including Strategy 2032. The Executive Director is instrumental in shaping long-term digital capabilities, navigating complex challenges, and delivering measurable outcomes across the institution.

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

Success in this role will be underpinned by a combination of strategic leadership, technical expertise, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

Skills and Capabilities

• Proven ability to lead digital strategy and transformation initiatives in complex environments

• Strong financial acumen and experience managing operational and capital budgets

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills

• Ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals

• Demonstrated capability to foster innovation and integrate emerging technologies

• Strategic thinking and analytical problem-solving abilities

• Deep understanding of cybersecurity, risk, and compliance in ICT contexts

• Ability to engage, negotiate, and influence diverse stakeholders effectively

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years in ICT and/or business leadership, with 5+ years in strategy or innovation-focused roles

• Extensive management experience within ICT functions in the education sector or similarly complex environments

• Demonstrated expertise in digital strategy and transformation

• Experience leading strategic planning and technology roadmap development aligned with organisational goals

• Proven success in implementing emerging technologies and driving innovation

Education

• Postgraduate qualifications in Information and Communications Technology or equivalent relevant training and experience

Key benefits 

• a University contribution of 17% of your base salary to your superannuation fund 

• tax-efficient salary packaging options for cars, laptops, and additional contributions to your superannuation fund 

• generous relocation allowance if moving from interstate or overseas 

• access to fitness passport, as well as discounted rates on university sports and fitness centers 

• gain the recognition of working in a leading University. 

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

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.

Term and remuneration

The successful candidate will be offered a five-year fixed term position on a full-time basis, with a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications. The appointment is subject to completion of a satisfactory probation period for new appointees.

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 CV and cover letter outlining how your skills, capabilities and experience meet the requirements for the role) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Please refer to the position description for further details.

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 Lucy Porter (Senior Talent Partner, Senior Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Operations) on +61 429 771 115 or by email [email protected]  

© The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

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