Associate Director, Digital Innovation

Join to apply for the Associate Director, Digital Innovation & Emerging Technology role at Australian Catholic University.

Campus Location: North Sydney, Australia | Melbourne, Australia

Job No: APTAV101331#054

• Shape ACU's innovation culture as a continuous learning university, nationally.
• Lead cross-functional innovation squads and act as a central steward of digital change across the university.
• Design and deliver ACU's innovation fund, AI capability uplift, digital experimentation pathways and an intelligent automation agenda.
• Embed a learn-through-innovation culture so innovation is integrated into the university's core operations.
• Empower students, staff, researchers and partners to build future-ready capabilities and deliver meaningful impact through real-world experimentation and scaled capability building.

• Tertiary qualification in technology.
• Proven strategic leadership in digital innovation, AI or automation within complex service-based environments.
• Experience managing and inspiring cross-functional teams and innovation portfolios, ideally in a university or public sector context.
• Ability to foster an innovation culture aligned to ACU's mission and values; experience engaging across academic, professional staff and executive audiences.

• Reporting to the Chief Information and Digital Officer; part of the IT executive leadership team.
• Full-time, five (5) year contract; Melbourne or North Sydney based.
• Competitive remuneration.

• ACU pursues an excellence agenda with an environment where staff are welcomed, safe and valued through development and involvement.
• 17% employer superannuation contributions to eligible continuing and fixed-term staff.
• Annual leave loading of 17.5% of four weeks' salary pro rata, dependent on commencement date.
• Flexible work, study leave, various leave provisions and salary packaging; information about benefits is available on the ACU careers site.

• Step 1: Review the Position Description and become familiar with Our Mission and the Application process.
• Step 2: Click the 'View Position Description and Apply' button and provide:
  • resume (maximum 5 pages);
  • responses to the Selection Criteria and Core Competencies in a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) or via the online Declaration and Criteria.
  • brief online responses to pre-screening employment questions.
• Applications close: 28-SEP-2025 at 11:59pm AUS Eastern Standard Time.
• Candidates must hold Australian work rights to apply for this position. For permanent/continuing roles, permanent work rights are required.

Your Privacy of personal information is maintained in accordance with ACU policy. For more details visit: www.acu.edu.au/careers

About ACU

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is an inclusive community which welcomes students and staff of all beliefs. ACU has over 2,500 staff supporting more than 34,000 students across eight campuses. ACU aspires to be a home for our staff, offer the care of a family and develop an academic and professional community. All staff are expected to understand ACU's mission and values and contribute to them.

ACU does not accept candidate applications submitted by external recruitment agencies through the ACU careers website. Learn more about Athena Swan.

General enquiries can be sent to: Russell Parker, Chief Information and Digital Officer at: russell.parker@acu.edu.au

ACU is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and enables our people to reach their potential. ACU is recognised as a Veteran Employment Supporter and veterans are encouraged to apply. ACU offers adjustments through the recruitment process; please contact recruitment@acu.edu.au to discuss your requirements in confidence.