Director, Artificial Intelligence

Job Description

• Full-time, 5 year fixed term contract Senior level position.
• Parramatta Campus with flexible work options
• Lead enterprise AI strategy and safe adoption at scale

Lead enterprise AI strategy and delivery, ensuring safe, scalable adoption across teaching, research and operations.

 

The Opportunity
At Western Sydney University, we are creating a new era for AI enablement across education, research and operations. Through this role you will join a landmark opportunity to share the future of our AI capabilities that will underpin future success and our transition to an AI-powered world, withing a people-first mindset. 

You will provide enterprise leadership for the safe, appropriate and effective development of artificial intelligence capabilities across the University. You will lead the implementation of an integrated AI strategy, connecting transformation, governance, enablement, readiness, technology and operational delivery into a coordinated approach that supports adoption at scale.

You will work across the full AI lifecycle, from exploration and use case development through to enterprise deployment. This includes embedding responsible AI practices, advancing governance frameworks and enabling impactful AI initiatives that enhance student success, research outcomes, staff productivity and community engagement. You will connect innovation to execution, balancing speed with trust while ensuring measurable value from AI investments.

You will lead the AI and Automation capability, providing technical leadership and operational direction across enterprise platforms. You will build organisational capability through AI literacy, communities of practice and targeted enablement initiatives. In partnership with senior leaders and stakeholders, you will strengthen readiness, support adoption and ensure AI is embedded as a core institutional capability.

What Success Looks Like:

• Enterprise AI strategy is implemented with clear alignment to business value and outcomes.
• AI governance and enablement frameworks are operationalised and embedded.
• A prioritised AI use case portfolio is delivered with measurable benefits.
• AI capability and adoption are uplifted across staff, students and stakeholders.
• Scalable, secure AI solutions are delivered across teaching, research and operations.

Please refer to the Position Description for full details.

About You

• Tertiary qualifications in AI, data science, IT or a related discipline.
• Extensive leadership experience in AI, digital transformation or emerging technologies.
• Advanced knowledge of AI technologies, data governance, cyber security and enterprise platforms.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capability at senior executive level.
• Demonstrated leadership in governance, risk management and responsible AI practices.

Benefits
We invest in the people who make our mission possible. Alongside a rewarding career, we offer a range of benefits designed to support your financial, personal and family wellbeing.

• Financial benefits: Access to staff-only products and offers with selected banking partners, salary sacrifice options for onsite parking, and novated motor vehicle leasing.
• Health and wellbeing support: Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP), complimentary annual flu vaccination, eligibility for Fitness Passport membership, and access to discounted private health cover.
• Onsite childcare: Long day care and early learning services operate at our Campbelltown, Hawkesbury, Parramatta, and Penrith campuses. Staff may be eligible for discounted fees and salary packaging, with places subject to centre capacity.

Application Details

• Position Enquiries: Direct to Hiring Manager Omer Yezdani, Chief Data Officer via  O.Yezdani@westernsydney.edu.au Please include the job reference code REF1575K
• Closing Date: 11:59pm, Wednesday 15th July 2026
• Working Rights: You must provide evidence of full-time working rights in Australia at application.
• How to Apply: Please note that only applications submitted via the University’s online recruitment system will be considered. As part of your online application, you will be asked to respond to screening questions addres