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5 years fixed term position Located in Darlington campus Be responsible for the development of the University’s ICT strategy, plans and roadmaps. Join one of Australia’s most prestigious universities at a pivotal moment of digital transformation, where bold ambition meets world-class research and innovation. As Executive Director, Emerging Technology and Enterprise Architecture, you will shape the technological foundations that power a global institution, driving next-generation capabilities in AI, automation, cloud, quantum, robotics and advanced digital platforms. This is a rare opportunity to architect the future of a large and highly visible digital ecosystem, influence senior leaders across academia and operations and lead a portfolio that defines how a modern university thinks, innovates and delivers at scale. You will join a purpose-driven environment that values creativity, experimentation and excellence, supported by significant investment, a world-leading academic ecosystem and the mandate to design the digital architecture and innovation pathways that will define the University’s next decade. About the opportunity The Executive Director, Emerging Technology and Enterprise Architecture is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping the University’s long-term digital capability and technology foundation. Reporting to the Chief Information and Digital Officer, you will guide technology investment, define architecture frameworks and provide the strategic direction needed to modernise and evolve the University’s complex digital ecosystem. You will lead an integrated portfolio that includes Emerging Technology and Innovation, Enterprise Architecture and Solution Architecture. This portfolio provides the platform to create a unified technology vision, embed strong governance, simplify systems and establish clear pathways for emerging technologies to progress from exploration into scaled enterprise adoption. A major focus of the role is driving applied emerging technology initiatives. You will lead structured innovation processes including horizon scanning, rapid prototyping, evaluation, pilot development and the transition of successful concepts into production. Areas of focus include artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, robotics, natural language processing, quantum computing, DevOps uplift and next-generation digital platforms. Enterprise Architecture is an equally critical component of the role. You will lead the development and stewardship of the University’s enterprise architecture frameworks, principles and roadmaps, ensuring technology investment decisions are aligned, sustainable and support a coherent long-term digital direction. You will provide executive guidance on architectural standards, solution patterns and technology selection to ensure consistency, interoperability and long-term value. This position works closely with the Executive Director of Digital Sydney, and other senior leaders to ensure the University's digital strategy is underpinned by coherent enterprise architecture, modern technology foundations and opportunities identified through applied emerging technology. This is a pivotal appointment that will help shape the University’s digital capabilities and influence the future of a global research and education institution. About you (skills, capabilities and experience) You will be an experienced and forward-looking technology leader with: Expertise in emerging technology research, evaluation, prototyping and applied innovation A strong track record leading AI, machine learning, automation and next-generation digital initiatives Extensive experience in enterprise architecture, including target-state design, standards, governance and technology transformation Capability across major cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure and Google Cloud Deep understanding of cybersecurity, information architecture and data governance Experience delivering large-scale digital transformation in complex environments Strong leadership capability and experience building high-performing specialist teams Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills The ability to design guardrails that support innovation while managing risk Experience in higher education or similarly complex sectors 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 lucy.porter@sydney.edu.au 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. © The University of Sydney The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. Applications Close Friday 09 January 2026 11:59 PM Our team is expanding, and we want to hire the most talented people we can. Continued success depends on it! So once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel suit you best and keep track of both your progress in the selection process, and new postings that might interest you! The University values are excellence, trust and accountability. The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. The University of Sydney may conduct routine pre-employment checks before an appointment is made. Want to know more about working at the University of Sydney? https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us.html