Head of Innovation and AI
IT, Sydney (Broadway) or Fremantle (WA) Campus
Full-time opportunity, Continuing contract
Overview
Head of Innovation and AI leads the design, development and delivery of the University's AI, automation and digital innovation strategy. The role drives the responsible adoption of emerging technologies to enhance staff and student experiences, boost operational efficiency and accelerate digital maturity. This role is accountable for turning strategy into action by embedding AI-enabled and automated solutions across core IT programs and enterprise processes to improve performance and outcomes.
About the university
We believe in the power of education to transform lives, strengthen communities and help people become the best version of themselves. The University of Notre Dame Australia is a modern, national Catholic university that serves more than 12,000 students across its campuses in Fremantle, Broome and Sydney.
With a community of over 1,000 academic and professional staff, Notre Dame is recognised for its personalised learning environment, strong graduate outcomes and holistic educational philosophy rooted in critical thinking, ethics and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
About the office
The Information Technology Office is at the forefront of the University's success, driving cutting-edge technology solutions that empower Learning & Teaching, Research, and Administration across the institution.
About the role
The Head of Innovation and AI leads the design, development and delivery of the University's AI, automation and digital innovation strategy. The role drives the responsible adoption of emerging technologies to enhance staff and student experiences, boost operational efficiency and accelerate digital maturity. This role is accountable for turning strategy into action by embedding AI-enabled and automated solutions across core IT programs and enterprise processes to improve performance and outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and deliver the University's AI and Innovation Strategy and Roadmap, while advising senior leadership on emerging technologies and their impact across teaching, research, and administration.
* Drive a portfolio of AI and automation initiatives from concept to delivery, identifying opportunities that modernise workflows, reduce manual effort, and improve service quality.
* Establish and maintain governance, ethical, risk, compliance, privacy, and data-governance frameworks for AI, automation, and low-code/no-code platforms in collaboration with Architecture, Security, and Information Governance.
* Build AI capability and culture by designing and delivering education, communication, and advocacy programs that uplift AI literacy and foster interdisciplinary collaboration among staff, students, and departments.
* Oversee budgets, resource planning, and best-practice lifecycle management for AI and automation, including model training, optimisation, monitoring, benefit measurement, adoption tracking, and KPI reporting to senior leadership.
Qualifications, skills & experience
* Over 10 years of leadership experience, including more than 5 years in university environments, with a strong record of delivering large-scale innovation initiatives across the higher education sector.
* Postgraduate qualifications and/or equivalent advanced experience in IT, automation, or gamification, complemented by 5+ years of experience in Learning and Teaching or broader university functions.
* Expertise in Artificial Intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies, with hands-on experience designing and implementing AI solutions, particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem, to enhance academic and professional operations.
* Strong innovation strategy and design thinking capability, with a proven ability to identify opportunities, design forward-thinking solutions, and embed new technologies within enterprise-wide programs.
* Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and change-leadership skills, adept at diagnosing complex challenges, influencing stakeholder buy-in, and guiding organisational change.
* Experienced educator and advocate, skilled in developing AI literacy programs, uplifting workforce capability, and ensuring governance, ethical compliance, and responsible technology adoption across the institution.
Benefits
* Fast paced environment with opportunity for professional growth
* Generous training and development opportunities
* Friendly and collaborative working environment
How to apply
Please apply online with a resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
Applications closing date: 26 March 2026
For further information on how to apply, please visit: Notre Dame
Applicants are expected to have current and valid work rights in Australia.
The University is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive working and learning environment.
The successful candidate will be required to complete a self-declaration regarding Gender-Based Violence as part of the pre-employment process. For more information on this please refer to our website.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
The University of Notre Dame Australia seeks to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the different needs of the University and its stakeholders and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our staff.
Contact us
Please direct your queries regarding this role to Haritha Garlapati,
Unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies will not be entertained.
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