Lead the digital future of a world‐class university committed to creating a brighter future for life in the tropics.
James Cook University (JCU) is seeking an outstanding Chief Information Officer (CIO) to provide visionary leadership of the University's digital, information, and cybersecurity ecosystem, based in Townsville. This pivotal executive role leads the Technology Solutions function to deliver secure, innovative, and high‐performing services that enable excellence in teaching, research, and engagement.
As a member of JCU's senior leadership group, the CIO will ensure technology strategy and operations are fully integrated with the University's strategic and operational planning frameworks, driving organisational performance, resilience, and sustainability.
Delivering an integrated technology strategy aligned with JCU's Corporate Strategy, establishing evidence‐based performance measures, and embedding enterprise architecture, digital transformation, and cybersecurity within robust governance and risk frameworks, the CIO ensures technology priorities, investment decisions, and service performance drive organisational success and support long‐term sustainability.
The CIO will also lead the delivery, optimisation, and continuous improvement of University‐wide IT systems and digital operations, ensuring a secure, resilient, and high‐performing environment. This includes overseeing incident response, information governance, and regulatory compliance, as well as providing expert strategic advice to executive and governance committees. Fostering a high‐performance, service‐focused culture across multidisciplinary teams through visible, values‐based leadership that champions innovation, capability development, and staff wellbeing will ensure the CIO's success.
About You
You will be a strategic, future‐focused digital leader with demonstrated success operating at scale in complex environments. Your background will include:
* Postgraduate qualifications and substantial senior leadership experience in a large, complex organisation.
* A track record of leading digital and cybersecurity portfolios with responsibility for organisational resilience and operational reliability.
* Experience managing significant budgets, vendor partnerships, and capital programs to drive value and innovation.
* Demonstrated ability to lead transformation through collaborative and adaptive leadership, delivering improved performance and service quality.
* Deep knowledge of contemporary and emerging technologies, cybersecurity frameworks, cloud and data platforms, and automation, ideally within Higher Education.
* Exceptional communication, influence, and relationship‐building skills, with the ability to lead high‐performing teams and engage effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
* Advanced problem‐solving capability and sound judgement in managing complex and sensitive issues.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete background and probity checks as part of the selection process. This position is based in Townsville, North Queensland, and should the successful appointee reside outside the region, they will be expected to relocate upon commencement. Relocation assistance will be negotiated as part of the offer process.
JCU is partnering with Omera Partners for the executive search of this role. All enquiries and applications should be directed to JCU@omerapartners.com
Applications close 4 March 2026.
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