Head of Capability

Lead Digital Transformation at the University of Newcastle

The University of Newcastle is seeking experienced and strategic Heads of Capability to drive innovation, optimise service delivery, and deliver exceptional outcomes across our institution.

Our Capability Area portfolios are:

Digital Experience - this portfolio creates seamless, engaging environments for students and staff. Focuses on blended learning, virtual library access, campus technology, and collaboration tools.

Digital Engagement - transforms how we connect with students and the community. Enhances the student lifecycle, builds external partnerships, and streamlines staff workflows.

Data, Research & Integration - enables data-driven decisions and accelerates research. Delivers integration platforms, data governance, open data access, and research solutions.

Core Tech - provides foundational technology for operations and innovation. Manages corporate systems, cloud, networks, voice services, and infrastructure resilience.

In these senior leadership roles, each of which reports to the Associate Director, Solutions you will take full accountability for the end-to-end management of digital products and services within a designated Capability Area portfolio.

As Head of Capability for Digital Experience
, you will shape the future of digital, champion cutting-edge solutions, and deliver experiences that redefine how our community learns, collaborates, and thrives.

As Head of Capability for Digital Engagement
, you will lead initiatives that deepen engagement, unlock new possibilities, and deliver solutions that strengthen our community and elevate the student experience.

As Head of Capability for Data, Research & Integration
, you will lead initiatives that unlock the value of data, drive innovation in research, and build an integrated ecosystem that empowers the University to thrive in a digital world.

As Head of Capability for Core Tech
, you will lead the evolution of core technologies, drive operational excellence, and enable a secure, future-ready foundation that supports the University’s strategic ambitions.

These positions are based at our Callaghan Campus and will be offered on a five-year fixed-term contract basis.

You’re a senior technology leader with a proven track record in delivering major technology programs within large, complex organisations. You bring:

• Postgraduate qualifications in IT, Business, or Leadership (or equivalent experience).
• Extensive experience in IT service delivery, project management, and strategic planning.
• Expertise in technology architecture, service engineering, and product road mapping.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams and lead through influence.
• High-level stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP, TOGAF).
• A demonstrated proactive bias toward delivery outcomes by anticipating potential obstacles, taking initiative to resolve issues early, and prioritising actions that accelerate progress toward agreed objectives.

DTS delivers cutting-edge, innovative and cost-effective digital solutions and services to the University’s staff and students, enabling excellence in education, research, and engagement. We are repositioning as a technology integrator, broker, trusted advisor, and innovator—empowering the University to embark on the next phase of our strategic journey.

At the University of Newcastle, we’re proud to be ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide and our rankings for Climate Action (2nd globally) and for Good Health and Wellbeing (9th globally) put us among the top 40 globally for impact. We offer:

Competitive contract terms
:
Market competitive remuneration package (includes a generous employer superannuation contribution) on a five-year fixed term contract basis.

Flexibility and balance
:
Family-friendly policies, childcare centres and leave entitlements to support carer responsibilities.

Wellbeing
:
We are a healthy university, with staff wellbeing programs, confidential EAP, discounted fitness passport, corporate health plans and medical centre.

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