UniSC Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs QLD
Insights and Analytics, Chief Operating Office
Full-time, five-year fixed-term opportunity with relocation assistance available for interstate candidates
The Opportunity
Insights and Analytics plays a central role in shaping UniSC's future. Working across academic and professional portfolios, the team provides the evidence, analysis and strategic advice that inform the university's most significant decisions, from student demand and academic portfolio development to investment, financial sustainability and institutional performance.
As Director, you will lead this important function and help shape the University's strategic direction. We are seeking an accomplished leader with deep expertise in data, analytics and strategic modelling, who can see beyond the numbers, challenge assumptions and provide clear, independent advice on complex institutional choices.
You will work closely with the University's Executive and senior academic leaders, bringing together financial, student, workforce and operational data to develop sophisticated forecasting, scenario modelling and analysis. Your ability to interpret complex evidence, identify emerging opportunities and risks, and influence decisions will be as important as your technical expertise.
You will also lead the development of UniSC's enterprise data and analytics capability, establishing an integrated and trusted data environment, strengthening data governance and building a high-performing team. You will bring the strategic vision and technical credibility to modernise our approach to analytics while ensuring the integrity of institutional data and external reporting.
This is an opportunity for a leader who combines analytical depth with sound commercial and strategic judgement, and who wants to play a direct role in shaping the future of a growing university.
As part of our commitment to an exceptional student experience and a vibrant campus community, UniSC leaders are present on campus four days a week to foster connection, collaboration and visibility across the university
You will
- Set the strategic direction for UniSC's data, analytics and insights capability, ensuring it makes a direct contribution to institutional strategy, planning and investment decisions.
- Lead sophisticated analysis, forecasting and scenario modelling to inform decisions on student demand, academic portfolio development, financial sustainability, workforce planning and major investments.
- Act as a trusted strategic adviser to the Vice-Chancellor, Executive and Council, bringing independent judgement, challenging assumptions and translating complex evidence into clear advice and recommendations.
- Lead the development of an integrated enterprise data environment, improving the quality, accessibility and use of institutional data and building contemporary analytical capability.
- Establish strong standards for data governance, quality and stewardship, ensuring the integrity of institutional reporting, government submissions and regulatory obligations.
- Build and lead a high-performing team with the technical expertise, curiosity and confidence to tackle complex institutional questions and work effectively across academic and professional portfolios.
About you
You are an accomplished strategic leader with deep expertise in analytics, modelling and the use of evidence to inform complex decisions. You combine strong technical knowledge with commercial judgement and the confidence to advise and challenge senior leaders. You can identify the questions that need answering, critically assess the evidence and explain what it means for an organisation's future.
You have a record of building capable teams and improving how organisations use data, but your contribution goes well beyond systems and reporting. You understand how to connect analytical work with strategy, investment and performance, and have the credibility to influence decisions at the highest levels.
You will possess:
- Substantial senior leadership experience in analytics, strategic planning, economics, financial modelling or a related discipline within a complex organisation, supported by relevant qualifications.
- Demonstrated experience leading sophisticated forecasting, predictive modelling, scenario analysis and investment appraisal, with a record of influencing significant strategic or financial decisions.
- Strong strategic and commercial judgement, including the ability to evaluate competing priorities, test assumptions, identify risks and opportunities, and provide independent advice to senior decision-makers.
- Experience setting enterprise data and analytics strategy, with the technical understanding to guide investment in data architecture, platforms, analytical tools and capabilities.
- A strong understanding of quantitative methods and model development, validation and limitations, with the ability to critically evaluate analytical approaches and the reliability of their conclusions.
- Demonstrated ability to influence executive leaders and governing bodies, communicate complex findings clearly and constructively challenge established thinking.
- Experience establishing sound data governance, quality and assurance practices, including accountability for information used in external reporting, funding submissions and regulatory processes.
- Proven ability to lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, build analytical capability and establish productive relationships across diverse organisational functions.
Desirable
- Experience in higher education or another complex, regulated or publicly funded environment.
- Understanding of Australian higher education funding, student demand, institutional performance and reporting requirements.
- Experience leading significant transformation of an enterprise data or analytics function.
Don't meet every requirement? At UniSC, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our position description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.
UniSC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, women in STEM, First Nations Peoples, and individuals of diverse cultures, genders, abilities, and experiences. We value achievement relative to opportunity and encourage your commentary on your achievements in this context. For additional support during the application process, please contact us at unisc-careers@usc.edu.au or call +61 7 5430 2830.
How to apply
Applications for this position close midnight, Monday 16 November 2026.
Your completed application must include a resume and cover letter, which will be reviewed in alignment to the specified selection criteria as outlined within the position description.
Further information regarding how to prepare your application is available on our website: Join our team.
Have questions or want to know more? For a confidential discussion, please contact:
Kylie Colvin
Chief Operating Officer
Email: coo@usc.edu.au
We would love the opportunity to get to know you better, but we know it works both ways. To get to know a little more about us, visit us at: Welcome to UniSC and LinkedIn Life
UniSC values a diverse and talented workforce and invites applications from candidates who already have legal work rights in Australia.
UniSC does not accept unsolicited applications. For agency inquiries, contact unisc-careers@usc.edu.au
Our Culture & Benefits:
- Our collaborative, passionate and welcoming culture is what really sets us apart.
- Modern teaching & research facilities.
- Professional development and career pathway opportunities.
- We are a proud recipient of the prestigious Athena SWAN Bronze Award, granted as part of the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) initiative.
- Flexible work arrangements & generous leave options.
- Salary packing options + 17% Super.
- EAP, fitness passport & discounted private health.
