Head of Cybersecurity

The University of Newcastle is seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of Cybersecurity to lead and continuously enhance our cybersecurity strategy, operations, and culture. As a senior leader within Digital Technology Solutions (DTS), you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding our digital environment, ensuring resilience against evolving cyber threats, and enabling the University’s mission of excellence in education, research, and community engagement. 

The Role 

Reporting to the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), you will lead the Cybersecurity function within Digital Technology Solutions (DTS). In this strategic leadership role, you will be responsible for developing and executing the University’s cybersecurity strategy, ensuring our digital environment is resilient, secure, and aligned with institutional goals. 

Your remit will include: 

• Developing and evolving the University’s cybersecurity strategy and operating model to address emerging threats and business priorities. 
• Leading cyber incident response and investigation processes to ensure incidents are swiftly triaged, contained, and resolved. 
• Overseeing threat and vulnerability management to reduce the risk of system and data compromise across the University. 
• Designing, implementing, and continuously improving technical security controls that balance risk mitigation with business needs. 
• Ensuring compliance with relevant cyber laws, regulations, and industry standards (including NIST CSF and ACSC E8). 
• Driving cybersecurity awareness and education programs to foster a positive security culture across the University. 
• Managing and developing a high-performing cybersecurity team, setting clear objectives, and supporting professional growth. 
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders, providing expert advice, and reporting on security risks and initiatives. 

You will work collaboratively across the University, translating strategy into practice, championing continuous improvement, and fostering a culture of security, accountability, and innovation. 

The position will be located at Callaghan Campus. 

About You 

You are an experienced cybersecurity leader with: 

• Extensive experience in developing and executing cybersecurity strategy, operations, and risk management within complex digital environments 
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and mentor professional and technical teams to deliver exceptional security and business outcomes. 
• Deep knowledge of leading cybersecurity frameworks (NIST CSF, ACSC Essential Eight, ISO 2700x) and industry best practices. 
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and drive organisational change in dynamic environments 
• Dedicated to fostering a safe, healthy, equitable, and inclusive workplace. 

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 (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: 

1. Your resume (including your qualifications and relevant training) 
2. A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity and addressing the requirements listed below: 

• Describe a time when you developed and implemented a cybersecurity strategy in a complex digital environment. What frameworks or standards did you use and why (e.g., NIST, Essential Eight, ISO27000x), how did you engage stakeholders, and what was the impact on the organisation’s security posture? 
• Provide an example of how you have led and inspired a professional or technical team to deliver exceptional cybersecurity outcomes. How did you manage competing priorities, foster an inclusive and high-performing culture, and ensure alignment with organisational goals? 
• Provide a specific example of when you successfully influenced a significant decision or obtained investment for a security 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 Essential 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 DTSWPC103.

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.