Head of Capability

Lead Digital Transformation at the University of Newcastle

The University of Newcastle is seeking experienced and strategic Heads of Capability to drive innovation, optimise service delivery, and deliver exceptional outcomes across our institution.

Our Capability Area portfolios are:

Digital Experience - this portfolio creates seamless, engaging environments for students and staff. Focuses on blended learning, virtual library access, campus technology, and collaboration tools.

Digital Engagement -transforms how we connect with students and the community. Enhances the student lifecycle, builds external partnerships, and streamlines staff workflows.

Data, Research & Integration - Enables data-driven decisions and accelerates research. Delivers integration platforms, data governance, open data access, and research solutions.

Core Tech - provides foundational technology for operations and innovation. Manages corporate systems, cloud, networks, voice services, and infrastructure resilience.

The Roles

In these senior leadership roles, each of which reports to the Associate Director, Solutions you will take full accountability for the end-to-end management of digital products and services within a designated Capability Area portfolio.

As Head of Capability for Digital Experience, you will shape the future of digital, champion cutting-edge solutions, and deliver experiences that redefine how our community learns, collaborates, and thrives.

As Head of Capability for Digital Engagement, you will lead initiatives that deepen engagement, unlock new possibilities, and deliver solutions that strengthen our community and elevate the student experience.

As Head of Capability for Data, Research & Integration, you will lead initiatives that unlock the value of data, drive innovation in research, and build an integrated ecosystem that empowers the University to thrive in a digital world.

As Head of Capability for Core Tech, you will lead the evolution of core technologies, drive operational excellence, and enable a secure, future-ready foundation that supports the University’s strategic ambitions.

These positions are based at our Callaghan Campus and will be offered on a five-year fixed-term contract basis.

About You

You’re a senior technology leader with a proven track record in delivering major technology programs within large, complex organisations. You bring:

• Postgraduate qualifications in IT, Business, or Leadership (or equivalent experience).
• Extensive experience in IT service delivery, project management, and strategic planning.
• Expertise in technology architecture, service engineering, and product roadmapping.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams and lead through influence.
• High-level stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., ITIL, PMP, TOGAF).
• A demonstrated proactive bias toward delivery outcomes by anticipating potential obstacles, taking initiative to resolve issues early, and prioritising actions that accelerate progress toward agreed objectives.

About Digital Technology Solutions (DTS)

DTS delivers cutting-edge, innovative and cost-effective digital solutions and services to the University’s staff and students, enabling excellence in education, research, and engagement. We are repositioning as a technology integrator, broker, trusted advisor, and innovator—empowering the University to embark on the next phase of our strategic journey.

Why Join Us?

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

Your Next Steps

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

Your application must include:

Current resume/CV including qualifications and relevant training; and

Cover letter outlining your motivation and addressing each of the criteria listed below, using an example for each to demonstrate: 

• Extensive experience and expertise in leading the design and delivery of major technology programs in a large complex organisation
• Proficiency in utilising technology, financial management, service engineering and architecture and product line / capability area road mapping
• Proven ability to lead through influence and experience in managing teams in a matrix leadership model
• Ability to build and develop relationships and networks in a consultative and collaboratively manner forming mutually beneficial partnerships. 
• Ability to positively motivate and lead staff displaying openness and resilience in responding to change in strategic direction and vision. 

In your Cover Letter you must identify which role(s) you wish to be considered for. You can express interest in more than one Capability area.

Your Cover Letter 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 DTSWPC105

Closing date: Wednesday 28^th January 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT

Our assessment process

Typically candidates that progress beyond the shortlist stage can expect to undertake the following (minimum) assessment activities as part of the recruitment process:

• Interview (an ‘in person’ interview will be conducted as part of the process)
• Referee checks
• Pre-employment checks as appropriate to the role

Our University is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every member of our community. This commitment is central to our values and our efforts to build a diverse workforce where everyone can thrive.

As part of this, and in alignment with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence 2025, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence risk factors as part of our recruitment processes.

This change is about more than compliance—it’s about living our values. Together, we can ensure our University remains a place where respect, safety, and inclusion are non-negotiable.

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.

#LI-MG1