Most organisations either have an AI strategist who can't build, or a builder who has no seat at the table. This role offers a rare chance to stay close to the tech, while also having a seat at the table.

A large higher education organisation is bringing in a Head of AI Delivery to own applied AI end to end: shape where it goes, and build the systems that get it there. This is not a hands-off strategy seat, and it is not a pure build seat. It is both, deliberately.

What you'll own:

• Direct input into the organisation's AI roadmap and strategic digital plan - not just executing someone else's
• End-to-end delivery of agentic AI, generative AI, LLM and RAG-based systems from concept to production
• Establishing the AI capability function from scratch - tooling, delivery patterns, operating model
• Mentoring and uplifting existing staff as you build the function around you
• Governance, risk, and responsible AI as a core pillar, not an afterthought - transparency, bias mitigation, post-deployment monitoring
• Enterprise architecture and cloud platform decisions (Azure, AWS, GCP)
• Direct engagement with the CIO, COO, and senior executive leadership

Who you'll report to:

The CIO - technically astute, commercially savvy, and driven to produce outcomes. You'll also be visible to the COO and senior executive leadership. What you build gets seen, and it's expected to demonstrate real value within the first 3-6 months.

What you need:

• You've shipped AI or ML into production before, in a real enterprise - not just a lab or a pilot
• You've built or led an AI capability function from the ground up
• You've worked hands-on with agentic AI and multi-agent orchestration, not just read about it
• RAG, prompt engineering, MLOps/LLMOps - you've actually done this work, not sat in on it
• You take governance and responsible AI seriously, in a regulated or genuinely complex environment
• You're comfortable being watched by executives and the board, not just your manager

The setup:

• Brisbane-based, hybrid - 2-3 days on-site
• Contracted as 12-month fixed-term, but the engagement runs multi-year - real security, not a cliff-edge contract
• $180,000-$220,000 plus superannuation
• Relocation support available
• Standard benefits including leave loading and salary packaging

One non-negotiable: you'll need Australian citizenship or permanent residency for this one.

You'll thrive here if you want both the seat at the table and your hands on the keyboard. You'll struggle here if you only want one or the other - this role won't let you pick.

Want the full brief? Apply below and let's talk.