Director, Data Innovation

About UNSW

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.  We aspire to be Australia's global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society.

Why your role matters

The Director of Data Innovation & Strategy leads the development and implementation of UNSW's enterprise Data Strategy, driving data and AI innovation across teaching, research, and operations. Reporting to the Chief Data Officer, the role sets strategic direction for harnessing data and AI as trusted assets, identifies emerging trends, and embeds best practice.

The Director fosters partnerships with industry, government, and research bodies, and oversees proofs-of-concept with faculties to ensure successful pilots scale into enterprise services. Focused on responsible data and AI adoption, the role delivers measurable improvements to student experience, research, and operations, with direct reports and accountability to the Chief Data Officer.

About the Role

The successful applicant will be required to undertake and have experience in the following areas of expertise:

• Lead the development and delivery of UNSW's enterprise Data Strategy, ensuring alignment with institutional and strategic priorities.
• Scan, evaluate, and pilot emerging data and AI trends, tools, and platforms; assess their applicability and scalability for UNSW.
• Lead the design and delivery of proof-of-concept and pilot projects in data and AI; evaluate outcomes and establish clear adoption pathways in collaboration with the Director of Analytics.
• Develop strategic papers, evaluations, and option analyses to guide investment decisions for data and AI initiatives.
• Build and manage partnerships with technology providers, start-ups, peer universities, and government to co-develop pilots, secure co-investment, and position UNSW as a leader in responsible AI and data innovation.
• Engage academic and professional leaders to surface use cases, secure sponsorship, and foster demand for AI and data innovation across UNSW.
• Promote innovation and capability uplift through showcases, workshops, and communities of practice; coach team members and stakeholders to embed innovation into practice.
• Ensure all data innovation initiatives adhere to UNSW's governance, privacy, security, and ethical frameworks, embedding responsible AI practices from pilot through to enterprise adoption.
• Define and monitor success measures for innovation projects; provide transparent reporting on outcomes, benefits, and risks to the CDO and governance committees.

About You

Relevant tertiary qualifications in data management, computer science, AI, or a related discipline with extensive relevant experience, or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.

• Proven experience developing and implementing enterprise Data Strategies in large, complex organisations.
• Demonstrated success in leading data and AI innovation initiatives, including piloting and scaling new capabilities.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML technologies, generative AI, and emerging data platforms, with the ability to assess applicability and translate into practical business value.
• Experience building and sustaining strategic partnerships with industry, government, and research sectors to drive data and AI innovation.
• Strong capability in business case development, strategic analysis, and investment proposals.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the ability to operate confidently at executive level and represent UNSW externally.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex data and AI concepts for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with data governance, compliance, and responsible AI practices, and their application to enterprise initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a culture of innovation and experimentation, while ensuring initiatives are pragmatic, ethical, and outcome-focused.

*For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description*

How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the Position Description) before Monday 6th October by 11:55pm.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

UNSW Benefits and Culture: People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
• Career development opportunities
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)

Job queries contact: Tai James, Talent Acquisition Consultant

E:   (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.