Head of Digital Governance

The University of Newcastle is seeking a visionary and experienced Head of Digital Governance to Lead the University of Newcastle’s digital governance agenda and uplift risk, assurance and data stewardship across a complex, purpose-driven institution. In this senior leadership role, you’ll design and embed the governance frameworks that keep our platforms, services and information resilient, compliant and enabling of research, education and engagement.  

You’ll partner widely across the University to translate strategy into practice and champion continuous improvement across DTS. 

The Role 

Reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), you will lead the Digital Governance function within DTS. Your remit spans policy and compliance, IT and cyber security risk management, assurance, data governance, IT service management, and project governance. You will be responsible for building the frameworks, forums and practices that drive quality, accountability and service excellence across these areas. You’ll Chair key governance forums, lead service and incident reviews, oversee vendor compliance, and ensure our release/configuration standards and risk controls are consistently applied. You’ll be responsible for: 

• Establish and mature the Digital Governance framework 
• Lead data governance so stewardship aligns to institutional priorities, regulatory obligations and sector best practice. 
• Embed proactive IT & cyber risk management aligned to the University’s Risk Management Framework 
• Run the annual assurance program for Digital Technology Solutions 
• Drive service excellence—chair problem/release/configuration management forums, lead post-incident reviews, and set clear SLAs and metrics. 

The position will be located at Callaghan Campus. 

About You 

You’re a seasoned governance leader with deep experience across enterprise digital environments in higher education, government or other regulated sectors. You bring a pragmatic, outcomes-focused approach and can influence at executive level. 

• Proven experience in the delivery and maintenance of major GRC frameworks (e.g., ISO, NIST CSF, COBIT, ACSC E8), ensuring continuous compliance with Australian legislative requirements, including the Privacy and SOCI Acts. 
• Ability to define and optimise processes using ITIL and experience leading governance and quality assurance oversight for complex digital/cybersecurity initiatives utilising frameworks such as Agile, PRINCE2, and MSP 
• Experience leading executive committees and communicating governance frameworks to senior leaders; strong policy/report writing. 
• Inclusive people leader who empowers teams, sets clear KPIs and actively manages performance and development. 

How your success will be measured 

• Positive contribution in representing DTS culture 
• Distinguishable and identifiable outcomes against the strategy 
• Delivery against agreed KPIs 

About the Unit 

Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) delivers cutting-edge, innovative and cost-effective digital solutions and services to the University’s staff and students to enable the delivery of excellence in education and research and innovation; and to support engagement with communities and partners. DTS is repositioning to be a technology integrator, broker, trusted advisor and innovator, enabling the University to deliver the current Looking Ahead Strategic Plan 2020-2025 and embark on the next phase of our strategic journey. 

Why Us? 

You’re seeking a role where your experience managing complex operations, leading high-performing teams and delivering impact can contribute meaningfully to a values-led, purpose-driven institution. 

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. 

Explore More: See our benefits at a glance. 

Your next steps 

Please visit here for a guide on how to apply for a role. 

If viewing this on a job board other than the University’s please click ‘Apply’ to reach the University’s website, where a copy of the Position Description can be accessed. Please download a copy before commencing your application. 

Your application must include: 

Your resume (including your qualifications and relevant training) 

A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity and addressing the criteria listed below: 

• Provide examples of how you have led digital governance in a higher education setting, including developing and implementing governance frameworks, driving adoption of sector best practices and frameworks within the Higher Education sector, with strong knowledge of contemporary IT trends, services, DevOps practices and cloud platforms. 
• Demonstrate an established track record in building high-performing teams and uplifting organisational digital and data governance capability across diverse stakeholder groups. 
• Provide a specific example of when you successfully influenced a significant decision or obtained investment for a governance initiative. What was the challenge, how did you tailor your approach for different stakeholders, and what was the outcome? 

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process. This helps us better understand your experience and suitability for the role.

Your Cover Letter and response to the criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For specific position enquiries, please contact, Sam O’Connor, Senior Manager Change and Projects, Digital Technology Solutions via email sgb160@newcastle.edu.au

Having difficulties with your application? Please reach out to the Talent Acquisition team via employment@newcastle.edu.au, quoting reference DTSWPC102

Closing date: Thursday 18^th December 2025 at 11:59pm AEDT

Please note that shortlisting and interviews for this role will take place in January 2026.

Our University

Ranked in the top 1% of the world’s universities, our vision is to be a world-leading university for our regions.

We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience, preparing graduates for life, and serving our regions by taking research that matters to the world and bringing our global expertise home.

The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas. We extend that respect to the homelands of our students and staff. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present. We are fully committed to building on our strengths in Indigenous higher education and providing a supportive space for our Indigenous students, staff and communities.

The University of Newcastle is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We value the unique backgrounds, experiences and perspectives each person brings to our community and strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people living with disability, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.