Associate Director, Digital Innovation

• Shape ACU's innovation culture as a continuous learning university, nationally
• Full time, five (5) year contract, with competitive remuneration
• Melbourne or North Sydney based

We are seeking a strategic and experienced transformative leader to play a pivotal role in realising ACU's 2033 strategic vision to become a secure, AI-empowered, data-driven and continuously learning university.

Reporting to the Chief Information and Digital Officer and contributing as an integral member of the IT executive leadership team, you'll lead cross-functional innovation squads and act as a central steward of digital change across the university. You will also lead the design and delivery of ACU's innovation fund, AI capability uplift, digital experimentation pathways and intelligent automation agenda.

With a recognised track record of achievement in embedding 'learn-through-innovation' cultures, you'll ensure university-wide innovation is not an isolated function but integrated into the university's core operations. Through real-world experimentation, emerging technology adoption and scaled capability building, the Associate Director will empower ACU's students, staff, researchers and partners to build future-ready capabilities and deliver meaningful impact.

You'll be tertiary qualified in technology, coupled with proven strategic leadership experience in digital innovation, AI or automation within complex service-based environments. You'll also be skilled in managing and inspiring cross-functional teams and innovation portfolios, ideally in a university or public sector context.

Key to your success will be in your ability to foster an innovation culture aligned to ACU's distinctive mission and values, devise and drive capability programs and champion change leadership initiatives; by engaging, empowering and influencing across academic, professional staff and executive audiences.

Contact:

General enquiries can be sent to: Russell Parker, Chief Information and Digital Officer at:

What we offer:

• The university pursues an excellence agenda and offers an environment where staff are welcomed and safe, and valued through development, participation and involvement.
• 17% employer superannuation contributions to eligible continuing and fixed-term staff.
• Annual leave loading of an equivalent to 17.5% of four weeks' salary pro rata payable, dependent on your commencement date.
• As an ACU staff member, you will have access to generous benefits which include but not limited to: flexible work, study leave, a variety of leave provisions and salary packaging. Find out more information about the benefits or working at ACU here.

How to Apply:

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 populate your candidate application details, including your:

• resume (maximum 5 pages).
• responses to the Selection Criteria and Core Competencies in a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) or in the online Declaration and Criteria application page.
• brief online responses to any 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, applicants must have permanent work rights. For further information visit Immigration and )

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ACU is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and enables our people to reach their potential. This is underpinned by our mission and values, grounded in our respect for all people and the advancement of the common good. In line with our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion we welcome candidates from all backgrounds and lived experiences. ACU is recognised as a Veteran Employment Supporter and veterans are encouraged to apply. ACU offers support for candidates that may require adjustments through the recruitment process. Please contact to discuss your requirements in confidence.

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 - Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, North Sydney, Strathfield, Blacktown and Rome.

ACU aspires to be a home for our staff, offer the care of a family and develop an academic and professional community. Whatever your faith or culture, and whether you are academic or professional staff, there are many opportunities both for learning and contributing at ACU.

As valued members of our community, all staff members are expected to have an understanding of ACU's mission and values and to demonstrate an active contribution to them.

ACU does not accept candidate applications submitted by external recruitment agencies through the ACU careers website.