Director, Data Innovation & Strategy (Higher Education)

  • Australia
  • Sydney
  • Permanent
  • Negotiable

Director, Data Innovation & Strategy

Sydney | Leading University | Base + 10% bonus | Hybrid | 12-Month FTC

Our client, a leading university in Sydney, is seeking a visionary Director, Data Innovation & Strategy to lead the development and execution of the institution’s enterprise Data Strategy and drive innovation in data and AI.

Reporting to the Chief Data Officer, this senior leadership role defines how they harnesses data and AI as trusted institutional assets to enhance teaching, research, and operations. The Director will identify emerging trends, lead proof-of-concept projects, and scale successful pilots into enterprise services.

The role partners with faculties, divisions, and external organisations – fostering collaboration, innovation, and responsible adoption of AI and data technologies across the institution.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead the design and delivery of the university’s enterprise Data Strategy, ensuring alignment with strategic and institutional priorities
* Evaluate and pilot emerging data and AI trends, technologies, and platforms for practical application and scalability
* Deliver proofs-of-concept and innovation pilots, establishing pathways for successful initiatives to scale enterprise-wide
* Build strategic partnerships with industry, government, and research to drive co-investment and thought leadership in AI innovation
* Engage academic and professional leaders to surface use cases and foster demand for data-driven innovation
* Promote capability uplift through workshops, showcases, and communities of practice
* Ensure all initiatives comply with governance, privacy, and ethical standards, embedding responsible AI practices
* Define and monitor success measures, providing transparent reporting on progress, benefits, and risks

About You

* Tertiary qualifications in data management, computer science, AI, or related discipline
* Proven experience developing and implementing enterprise data strategies in large, complex organisations
* Deep understanding of AI/ML, generative AI, and emerging data platforms
* Demonstrated success in leading innovation pilots and translating them into measurable business outcomes
* Strong capability in strategy development, business cases, and investment analysis
* Skilled communicator with exceptional stakeholder engagement and executive influence
* Experience building strategic partnerships across industry, government, or academia
* Commitment to responsible, ethical, and sustainable AI adoption

Contract Details

* 12-month fixed-term contract
* Hybrid role – on-site in Sydney (NSW-based candidates only)
* Full Australian work rights required

Why Join?

This is a rare opportunity to shape the university’s approach to data and AI innovation – influencing how technology and strategy converge to enhance education, research, and operational excellence.

Apply now

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