* Full time, continuing position with the University of Sydney as the Head of Program Insights
* A senior role with the opportunity to shape the strategic direction with the University's Strategic Program Office
* Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation
About the opportunity
The Strategic Program Office is pivotal in executing the Sydney in 2032 strategy, contributing to our vision of becoming "a better place to work, and a place that works better". Significant strategic initiatives are already in progress and as we enter the third year of strategy implementation, the University must continue to successfully deliver numerous initiatives, programs, and projects to achieve our 2032 goals.
The Head of Program Insights is a senior role within the University's Strategic Program Office and is responsible for leading strategic governance across a large and complex project portfolio with a significant budget. This position contributes to the portfolio's delivery of value to the University by leading and overseeing key governance functions such as designing and maintaining governance frameworks, data quality assurance, benefits realisation, and accurate and insightful portfolio performance reporting. Including reporting for the University Executive.
Leading a team of experienced professionals, the Head of Program Insights acts as a trusted advisor to University leadership, providing critical insights and guidance on a projects lifecycle including, resource allocation and consumption, and overall portfolio performance. The role will ensure alignment between individual project outcomes and the University's strategic objectives and driving portfolio-level decision-making,. The Head of Program Insights applies a holistic view of the project landscape to support senior leadership in making informed decisions that optimise project outcomes, manage risks, and enhance the organisation's ability to achieve its strategic goals.
Your key responsibilities will be to:
* define and implement a robust governance framework to guide project qualification, decision-making, and value delivery across the University's portfolio strategic projects
* develop governance policies (if appropriate), processes, and standards to ensure consistency in portfolio management practices
* act as a key advisor to the University's senior leaders, providing insights guidance on resource allocation, and balancing of the project portfolio to achieve strategic objectives
* oversee the benefits realisation function to ensure that the portfolio projects deliver measurable business value and contribute effectively to strategic goals
* offer insights into portfolio-level issues such as systemic risks, issues, assumptions, and constraints that could impact project delivery and business outcomes.
About you
* tertiary qualifications in Project Management, Governance, Risk Frameworks or other relevant field together with extensive relevant experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
* exercise strong practice leadership in a style and manner consistent with the University's values, sharing best practice, positively influencing colleagues at all levels, and encouraging reflective practice and a culture of continuous improvement
* ability to motivate, coach and mentor a high performing team to build internal project expertise, capability and collaboration to develop outcomes and provide services and advice which support optimal organisational performance and meet all governance and compliance requirements
* significant experience and success negotiating and influencing senior stakeholders with diverse interests on a large complex program
* significant (5-10 years) experience in managing and delivering significant, complex programs that span several functions, departments, divisions of a large organisation.
Key benefits
* flexible working options to support you to balance your work and family
* access to fitness passport, as well as discounted rates on university sports and fitness centers
* staff study benefit on selected University of Sydney postgraduate coursework studies
* onsite healthcare general practitioner (GP) services to all staff
* tax-efficient salary packaging options for cars, laptops, and additional contributions to your superannuation fund
* access to staff discounts and offers for a variety of products, including University parking and flights
* gain the recognition of working in a leading University.
Sponsorship / work rights for Australia
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires valid work rights for Australia.
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.
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 LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.
We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.
How to apply
Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.
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 Kimberley Smith, Recruitment Operations by email to
The University of Sydney
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.
Click to view the Position Description for this role.
Applications Close
Sunday 29 June 2025 11:59 PM