Executive Director, Enterprise Services

5 years fixed term position

Located in Darlington campus

Be responsible for shaping and delivering the University's ICT strategy, with a focus on Application Services, Data and Integration, Artificial Intelligence, and the Service Management Office.

Join one of Australia’s most prestigious universities at a pivotal moment of digital transformation. As Executive Director, Enterprise Services, you will lead the application, data and AI platforms that underpin a world-class research and teaching institution. This role offers the rare opportunity to shape mission-critical ecosystems, uplift enterprise-wide digital capability and embed intelligent, future-ready services at scale. Supported by significant investment, strong executive sponsorship and a modern operating model, you will influence the University's digital direction, mature its delivery practices and help build the next generation of digital experiences for students, researchers and staff across a large, complex and globally recognised institution.

About the opportunity

The Executive Director, Enterprise Services is a senior leadership role within the University’s ICT Division. Reporting to the Chief Information and Digital Officer and serving as a key member of the ICT Executive Leadership Team, the role provides strategic and operational leadership across the University’s enterprise applications, data and integration platforms, artificial intelligence capability and Service Management Office.

Responsible for the end-to-end application ecosystem, the role oversees major corporate, HR, finance, education, student and research administration platforms, as well as workflow, CRM and business systems. You will guide platform roadmaps, drive lifecycle modernisation, simplify the application landscape and ensure that core systems remain resilient, secure and aligned with the University's long-term strategic direction.

A major part of the portfolio is advancing the University’s enterprise data and integration capability, including data engineering, API and integration platforms. You will partner with Advanced Analytics, Planning and Enterprise Data (AAP) and the Chief Data and Analytics Office to ensure these enterprise foundations effectively support their analytical, reporting and institutional data functions including data quality uplift and core data governance practices.

You will provide the leadership required to build and operate the enterprise data platforms, standards and automation capabilities that underpin better decision-making, more efficient processes and improved digital services across the University.

The role also leads the uplift of the University's enterprise AI capability. This includes maturing AI platforms, embedding responsible AI practices and enabling applied AI across business-critical applications, digital workflows and end-to-end service experiences.

A central responsibility is driving a culture of governance, delivery discipline and continuous improvement across applications, data and service management. You will embed stronger decision-making frameworks, uplift delivery maturity, strengthen accountability, enhance transparency and establish consistent, scalable ways of working across a multidisciplinary portfolio.

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

You are an accomplished technology executive with extensive experience leading enterprise application, data, integration or AI portfolios in large and complex environments.

You will bring:

Significant experience leading large-scale enterprise application portfolios across corporate, HR, finance, education or student systems

Expertise in application lifecycle management, platform modernisation and architectural alignment

Strong experience in data engineering, integration platforms, API ecosystems and data governance uplift

Experience delivering enterprise AI, automation or intelligent workflow solutions at scale

Deep capability in governance, delivery discipline, risk management and continuous improvement

Strength in building high-performing, multidisciplinary teams and driving culture change

Highly developed stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to influence at senior levels

Proven competence balancing strategic direction-setting with outcome-focused delivery

Knowledge of higher education or similarly complex organisations (desirable)

Key Benefits of Working at the University of Sydney

Generous superannuation with a University contribution of 17% of your base salary.

Tax-effective salary packaging options, including novated leases for cars, laptops, and additional superannuation contributions.

Purpose-driven work, contributing to meaningful projects that support teaching, research, and innovation at a world-leading university.

Health and wellbeing perks, including access to the Fitness Passport program and discounted memberships at University sports and fitness facilities.

Professional recognition and impact gained through working at a globally respected, top-ranked university.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Term and remuneration

The successful candidate will be offered a competitive remuneration package commensurate with the responsibilities of the position and the candidate’s relevant experience and qualifications.

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.

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

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 LGBTQIA+ . We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum 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.

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

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, Recruitment Operations, Human Resources) by email [email protected]

Please note that the University will be observing its seasonal shutdown from Friday, 19 December (last day of operations) and will reopen on Tuesday, 6 January. During this period, our team will be offline and unable to respond to queries. We’ll get back to you as soon as we return.

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

Applications Close

Friday 09 January 2026 11:59 PM