• UniSC Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs QLD 4556
• Information Technology and Digital Services
• Full-time opportunity with relocation assistance available for interstate candidates

University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) has partnered exclusively with Omera Partners to manage the executive search process for this Chief Information and Digital Officer appointment. All enquiries and applications should be directed only to unisc@omerapartners.com

The Opportunity

UniSC has commenced its next phase of development. Since opening in 1996 the University has expanded in size, footprint and reputation, creating greater opportunities for regional communities from Moreton Bay to the Fraser Coast.

This Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO) role is first and foremost a people leadership role. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the CIDO leads, develops and unites the IT and Digital Services team to create a unified single high performing team that possesses a genuine shared sense of purpose. We are looking for a leader who can bring people together, lift culture and engagement, and guide the function through transformation.

The CIDO leads the University's technology services in support of its strategic priorities, owning the day-to-day operation, reliability and security of the core technology environment and the delivery of digital services that enable students, staff and researchers.

The role is accountable for service quality across enterprise services, client services, cyber operations, innovation and project delivery. It works in close partnership with the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office, which leads programme and project governance and assurance, enterprise architecture and change management, and with the Insights and Analytics function, which leads data governance and analytics.

The CIDO collaborates with university leaders and a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to introduce high quality, reliable and innovative services that support research and education outcomes.

Overview of Information Technology and Digital Services

Information Technology and Digital Services provides the technology resources that support the University's academic programs, research, community engagement and administrative services across multiple campuses. The function develops, delivers and supports the University's core technology environment. Its remit covers enterprise services, client services, innovation and project delivery, and operational governance. This includes business application services, data integration and digital platforms, cyber operations, workplace technologies, and innovation services.

The ITDS function delivers projects under the governance, assurance and gating framework of the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office, which leads enterprise architecture and change management for the University. Data governance and analytics are led by the Insights and Analytics function. The Director works closely with both.

Primary objectives for the position

• Build and lead a high-performing, service-oriented Information Technology and Digital Services function that strengthens capability, engagement and collaboration, and supports the University through ongoing transformation.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership of the University's information, data, digital and technology capabilities, ensuring services, platforms and investments enable delivery of the University's Strategic Plan and long-term institutional priorities.
• Ensure the University has secure, reliable and contemporary technology services and information capabilities that enhance the experience of students, staff and researchers and support excellence in learning, teaching, research and professional operations.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement and technology-enabled change by strengthening partnerships across the University and leveraging emerging technologies, data and digital capabilities to create institutional value.

SELECTION CRITERIA

CIDO candidates should possess the following qualifications, skills, abilities and experience:

• Relevant postgraduate qualifications in information technology, computer science, information management, business, management or a related discipline, together with substantial senior leadership experience in complex, multi-stakeholder organisations.
• Outstanding people leadership, with a proven record of building and uniting high-performing multidisciplinary teams, strengthening organisational culture and capability, and successfully leading people through periods of change and transformation.
• Demonstrated success leading the delivery of secure, reliable and customer-focused technology services, infrastructure and enterprise applications within a large, complex organisation with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience establishing and leading enterprise information and data governance practices that ensure information assets are trusted, secure, accessible and effectively leveraged to support organisational performance, regulatory compliance and evidence-informed decision making.
• Demonstrated understanding and practical application of contemporary and emerging technologies, including cloud platforms, cyber security, artificial intelligence, automation, data and analytics, and their use in improving organisational capability, service delivery and decision making.
• Demonstrated experience leading cyber security, technology risk and information security practices within a complex organisational environment.
• Demonstrated experience operating within enterprise governance and portfolio management frameworks, with the ability to prioritise technology investment, manage competing organisational priorities and deliver measurable value.
• Demonstrated financial stewardship, including strategic planning, budgeting, investment prioritisation, procurement, vendor management and the evaluation of technology investment and business outcomes.
• Highly developed strategic thinking, analytical, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to influence, negotiate and provide authoritative advice to executive leaders, governance bodies and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated commitment to enhancing the student, staff and researcher experience through contemporary information, data and digital capabilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Australian higher education sector, including its strategic opportunities, regulatory environment and emerging challenges, or the demonstrated ability to rapidly acquire such knowledge.
• Experience working within a university environment and an understanding of the operational, cultural and strategic dynamics of contemporary higher education institutions is desireable.

This is an opportunity to make a significant and meaningful, University-wide impact while leading the continued evolution of UniSC’s Information Technology and Digital Services function.

UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context.

How to apply

University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSc) has partnered exclusively with Omera Partners to manage the executive search process for this Chief Information and Digital Officer appointment. All enquiries and applications should be directed only to UniSC@omerapartners.com

Your completed application must include a resume and a statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), which will be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description.

Applications for this position close 11:55pm Sunday 6 September 2026.

Position Description:  PD_Chief Information and Digital Officer.pdf

Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team. We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life

UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.

UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSc) has partnered exclusively with Omera Partners to manage the executive search process for this Chief Information and Digital Officer appointment. All enquiries and applications should be directed only to UniSC@omerapartners.com

We’re all about doing work that matters, connecting with great people, and being part of an incredible journey. While we’re not the largest university, we are one of the fastest growing in Australia, now with over 2,000 staff across five campuses in South East Queensland and an expanding presence in major capital cities, and we’re making a big impact every day through ground-breaking research, a strong commitment to sustainability, high-performance sport, and award-winning alumni.

We are committed to delivering high-quality research and teaching that address major global and regional challenges, with established and emerging strengths in sustainability, environmental systems, biodiversity, aquaculture, preventative health and regional resilience. Our research excellence is internationally recognised through strong performance in global benchmarking, including leading rankings in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings for “Zero Hunger,” “Climate Action” and “Life on Land.” UniSC is also recognised for its teaching excellence, with a strong emphasis on student success, innovative and engaging learning experiences, and strong graduate outcomes that equip learners to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields. As the only university operating within three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UniSC is uniquely positioned to leverage its natural environment to advance impactful research, teaching and partnerships that support sustainable futures, with sustainability embedded across all aspects of our teaching, research and operations.

We foster a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages continuous professional development and provides the tools and resources to grow your career. We value the contributions of every team member and the role they play in our culture and success. We’re not afraid to do things differently, and we’re looking for people who share our values and want to be part of a team working together to make a meaningful difference to local and global challenges.

Our Culture & Benefits:

• Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
• Modern teaching & research facilities.
• Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
• We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
• Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
• Salary packing options + 17% Super.
• EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.