Full-time continuing role leading enterprise AI strategy for the University

Shape responsible AI adoption across teaching, research and operations, driving funded AI initiatives from pilot to production at scale

Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation along with a comprehensive range of employee benefits

Solve by Talent is partnering with the University of Sydney to recruit an Associate Director, Artificial Intelligence to support the delivery of key Information and Communications Technology program (ICT) initiatives that help shape the future of education, research, and innovation.

Why join the University of Sydney?

Join one of Australia's leading universities at a pivotal point of change, where technology is evolving to better support student learning, empower teaching excellence, and enable research delivery at global scale. ICT is central to delivering the University's academic mission. Working across faculties, disciplines, and research communities, you will shape the platforms, services, and partnerships that enable student success, strengthen teaching, and accelerate research impact. This work spans both the critical services that keep the University running every day and the ongoing improvement of systems and experiences. With strong investment and clear direction, you'll operate in a large and complex environment where your contribution has visible, meaningful impact across the University. You'll collaborate across academic and professional communities to help shape a more connected and capable University, supporting teaching excellence, research impact, and student success.

The opportunity

This is a newly created leadership role within the Enterprise Services portfolio, focused on operationalising AI across the University. You will help define how AI moves from experimentation and pilot into secure, scalable, well-governed production services that create real value across teaching, research, and administration. Working closely with senior stakeholders, technical teams, and innovation partners, you will lead the enterprise approach to AI strategy, governance, platform operations, and responsible adoption. It is a rare opportunity to shape how one of Australia's most respected universities uses AI at scale, backed by strong investment and a clear ambition to lead in this space.

What you'll do

• Lead the execution of the University's AI strategy, translating ambition into practical, scalable outcomes
• Oversee AI platforms, services, and operational processes to ensure reliability, governance, and continuous improvement
• Partner with innovation teams to transition AI use cases from concept and pilot into production support models
• Build trusted relationships across faculties and professional portfolios to lift AI fluency and enable responsible adoption
• Provide leadership on AI governance, ethics, risk, cybersecurity, and assurance across a complex enterprise environment

What we're looking for

• Strong experience leading AI operations, AI governance, or enterprise AI capability within a complex organisation
• A technical foundation in software, data, integration, or platform environments, with enough depth to guide AI delivery credibly
• A collaborative leader who can influence across boundaries, navigate ambiguity, and work effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Strong knowledge of responsible AI, governance, assurance, cybersecurity, privacy, and risk frameworks
• A strategic thinker who can connect emerging AI opportunities to business value, operational readiness, and long-term outcomes

What's in it for you?

At the University of Sydney, we support our staff with a range of benefits designed to enhance your career, wellbeing and work-life balance, including:

• Up to 17% superannuation to support your financial future
• Extremely generous parental leave entitlements
• Competitive salary with salary packaging options
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Career development and learning opportunities
• Health and wellbeing programs including Fitness Passport
• Access to a vibrant, globally recognised university community

How to apply

If you're looking for an opportunity to influence how AI is adopted, governed, and scaled in a world-class university environment, we would love to hear from you. 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.

Accessibility and inclusion

The University of Sydney is committed to creating an inclusive recruitment experience for all candidates. If you require adjustments or additional support at any stage of the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know. This may include adjustments to the interview format, additional time, breaks, accessible interview locations, receiving materials in advance, or any other practical support that will help you participate comfortably. For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Nick Barwick, n***@***********.***.

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.

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. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.