• Full-time continuing position

• Lead major institution-wide transformational programs with executive visibility

• Competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The Office of the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost (SDVCP) leads strategic programs that drive academic excellence, institutional performance, and transformational change across the University. As Program Director, reporting to the Director Program Oversight SDVCP you will play a critical leadership role within this portfolio, delivering major programs that advance the University's academic and strategic priorities.

Your initial focus will be leading the Academic Excellence Program—a significant multi-year initiative designed to elevate teaching quality, research performance, and student outcomes. You will oversee complex, institution-wide delivery across multiple interdependent projects, managing program planning, governance, implementation, and benefits realisation.

Partnering closely with senior academic and professional leaders across faculties, University schools, and Professional Service Units, you will ensure strategic alignment, effective resource management, stakeholder engagement, and the delivery of high-quality outcomes that position the University for long-term success.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• establish program teams, operating models, governance structures, and KPIs to support large‑scale transformational programs

• design and implement overarching program strategies, work plans, and resource allocation models

• provide visible senior‑level leadership throughout program design, establishment and delivery

• lead communication and engagement with senior stakeholders, Steering Committees and Executive bodies

• guide stream leaders in developing delivery plans and ensure alignment across integrated project activities

• identify, sequence and manage cross‑University project dependencies and risk mitigation strategies

• maintain rigorous program governance, reporting and data integrity

• lead development and delivery of program communications and change management initiatives

• manage key stakeholder needs across academic, professional and PSU teams to support cohesive program execution

• oversee program financials including budget development, allocation, expenditure monitoring and financial reporting

• provide leadership, direction and performance management for program staff

• manage structured program transition to business‑as‑usual operations and embed benefits‑realisation frameworks.

About you

The ideal candidate will bring:

• postgraduate and/or tertiary qualifications in a relevant field

• significant experience leading large, complex, cross‑functional programs in a higher‑education or similarly complex environment

• demonstrated expertise in program governance, risk management, financial oversight and resource planning

• exceptional stakeholder engagement and influencing capability, including at senior executive levels

• proven leadership capability with experience motivating and developing high‑performing teams

• highly developed analytical, organisational and conceptual skills with the ability to anticipate issues and develop mitigation strategies

• excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution

• extensive understanding of program management methodologies and the full project lifecycle.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Kale Claffey Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected].

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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