Deputy Chief Digital Information Officer

The University of Newcastle is seeking a visionary and experienced Deputy Chief Digital Information Officer (DCDIO) to help shape and deliver the University’s digital future. In this senior leadership position you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the University’s digital strategy, with the opportunity to influence digital outcomes across a large, complex organisation with a strong commitment to innovation, inclusion, and impact - positioned at the heart of the University’s digital enablement agenda.

You will play a critical role in ensuring Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) operates as a high-performing, business-focused partner to the University. You’ll lead a large, multidisciplinary team and work closely with senior stakeholders to translate institutional goals into actionable digital strategies that support education, research, and engagement.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Digital Information Officer, you will lead a large, multidisciplinary team and oversee key functions including strategy, enterprise architecture, business operations, and transformation. Your work will ensure Digital Technology Solutions (DTS) operates as a trusted, high-performing partner to the University.

You will be responsible for:

• translating institutional priorities into actionable digital roadmaps,
• overseeing the delivery of large-scale initiatives, and
• embedding a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.

You will provide strategic oversight of commercial operations and vendor relationships, and act as a visible advisor to senior leadership. This role also includes executive coordination and support for the CDIO, with the opportunity to represent DTS in high-level forums and contribute to shaping the University's digital reputation.

The position will be located at Callaghan Campus.

About You

You’re a senior digital leader with deep experience in delivering large-scale transformation and leading high-performing teams. You may currently work in higher education, government, or another regulated sector where strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and digital innovation are central.

You’ll also bring:

• Proven expertise in managing multidisciplinary teams through complex change.
• Significant experience in delivering enterprise-wide digital solutions and transformation initiatives.
• Strong strategic and operational leadership skills, including financial oversight and vendor management.
• High-level stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to influence at executive level.
• Expertise in IT strategy, enterprise architecture, and digital governance.
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style, with a commitment to building capability and fostering resilience.

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 Join 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 (2^nd globally) and for Good Health and Wellbeing (9^th 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 

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: 

1. Current resume/CV (including your qualifications and relevant training)
2. Cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity and addressing the essential criteria listed below (using examples): 

• Proven expertise in managing multidisciplinary teams in higher education or similar, with a track record of steering high-performing teams through complex, transformative challenges.
• Significant experience in delivering large-scale digital solutions and transformation initiatives, demonstrating the ability to lead the end-to-end delivery of complex projects that align with institutional objectives.
• Expertise in developing and implementing IT strategy that aligns with the university’s long-term goals and overall mission.
• Proven ability to provide operational oversight, with the ability to rapidly identify, escalate, and address issues to support institutional objectives and ensure transparent decision-making.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with a proven ability to collaborate across diverse university departments and act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on technology and strategic matters.
• Ability to align technology investments with institutional objectives, including oversight of vendor relationships, contract performance, and value creation.

To ensure that your application receives full consideration, it's important to structure and address the selection criteria outlined in the application process.

Your Cover Letter and Response to the Essential Criteria should not exceed 4 pages (approximately 2,000 words).

For specific position enquiries, please contact, Jackie Mottram, Head of Commercial and Communications, Digital Technology Solutions on (02) 4913 8194 or via email jackie.mottram@newcastle.edu.au

Having Difficulties? Please reach out to us via employment@newcastle.edu.au

Closing date Wednesday 3^rd December 2025 at 11:59pm AEDT

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.