Deputy Director, The UNSW Institute for Cyber Security

Job Description

Deputy Director, The UNSW Institute for Cyber Security, UNSW Canberra

Employment type: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Duration: Continuing

Remuneration: Level C from $155,403 plus leave loading and 17% super
Location: UNSW Canberra, ADFA Campus

About UNSW Canberra

University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital.

UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight.

Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. If you seek a career where you can excel and contribute meaningfully, you've found the right place.

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

Why Your Role Matters:

The UNSW Institute for Cyber Security (IFCyber) is a Tier 1 UNSW Institute which means that it works across the whole University. Although the role is based in Canberra many of our members are in Sydney so frequent domestic travel is required. IFCyber works to advance research and practice to strengthen Australia’s resilience in an increasingly contested digital environment while supporting the development of trusted technologies and security systems that serve the needs of society. The Deputy Director of IFCyber plays a central leadership role in shaping, operationalising, and delivering the Institute’s strategy.

Accountabilities:

Working closely with the Director, Professor Debi Ashenden, the Deputy Director will be responsible for:

• Translating strategic priorities into coherent programmes of work
• Building the internal capability, processes, and partnerships required to deliver them
• Acting as a connector and convenor across academia, government, and industry to ensure IFCyber’s research achieves real-world impact.

The role combines strategic leadership, operational delivery, and external engagement and is critical to establishing IFCyber as a nationally and internationally recognised hub for applied cyber security research and policy impact.

Who You Are (skills and experience):

• PhD in Cyber Security or a related subject
• Demonstrated ability to operate at the interface of research, policy, and practice
• Experience designing and delivering multi-stakeholder programmes or initiatives
• Track record of building partnerships across government, industry, and academia
• Ability to translate complex research into actionable insights and programmes
• Experience developing new initiatives, platforms, or organisational capabilities
• Leadership experience in coordinating teams and delivering outcomes in ambiguous environments