Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO)

About the opportunity

The University of Sydney is seeking an outstanding and visionary Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO) to play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the University's digital future.

Reporting to the Vice-President (Operations) and as a key member of the Operations Senior Leadership Team, the CIDO provides both strategic and operational leadership across the University's Information and Communications Technology (ICT) function. The role leads the Digital Sydney agenda, a central pillar of the University's Sydney in 2032 strategy, enabling world-class teaching, research and professional services through innovative and sustainable digital solutions.

At a critical point in the University's evolution where digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies are central to institutional priorities, the CIDO will lead an ambitious, multi-year transformation program to modernise and enhance digital capabilities, systems, and experiences.

This role will drive the delivery of reliable, contemporary, and fit-for-purpose digital services, positioning the University as a global leader in digitally enabled education and research. Working in close partnership with academic and professional leaders across the institution, the CIDO will provide enterprise-wide thought leadership in digital, data, and technology.

The successful candidate will foster a coordinated, University-wide approach to digital enablement, ensuring initiatives across automation, innovation, data governance, and analytics are aligned with strategic priorities.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the University's enterprise digital, data and ICT strategy, delivering a multi-year transformation to modernise platforms and enhance digital capability and user experience.
• Drive innovation through the adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, automation and advanced analytics, while strengthening cyber security and digital resilience.
• Build strong partnerships across faculties, portfolios and external providers, ensuring a coordinated, enterprise-wide approach to digital delivery aligned to strategic priorities.
• Oversee ICT services, programs and investments, ensuring effective governance, risk management, compliance, and financial stewardship.
• Provide strategic advice and insights to senior leaders and governance bodies on digital opportunities, performance and risk.
• Lead and develop a high-performing ICT team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement, and championing inclusive, human-centred digital experiences.

About you (skills, capabilities and experience)

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills, with a demonstrated ability to build alignment across diverse stakeholders.
• Highly developed strategic thinking, business acumen, and organisational leadership capability.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities in a complex and high-pressure environment.
• Alignment with the University's commitment to excellence, diversity, and leadership for good.
• Proven experience in a CIDO, CIO, or equivalent executive role within higher education or a complex organisation.
• Demonstrated success in developing and delivering ICT strategy and leading large-scale digital transformation.
• Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, capital planning and investment oversight.
• Extensive experience managing complex stakeholder environments and building strategic partnerships.