University of Sydney
The University of Sydney is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to join its senior leadership team as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). Reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor and working in close partnership with the Chief of Staff, this is a rare opportunity to shape the strategic direction of one of the world’s leading universities during a period of profound transformation in higher education.
The Opportunity
Universities globally are navigating unprecedented change. The rise of artificial intelligence, evolving student expectations, increased international competition, changing government policy settings, workforce transformation, and new models of education are reshaping the sector.
As Chief Strategy Officer, you will serve as a trusted adviser and thought partner to the Vice-Chancellor, helping the University identify and respond to its most significant strategic challenges and opportunities. You will lead a Strategy function with a mandate to concentrate on institution-wide priorities, ensuring the University remains innovative, competitive and positioned for long-term success.
This is a role for a leader who combines strategic insight with a strong execution mindset. While you will help shape the University’s strategic agenda, equal importance will be placed on driving implementation, monitoring progress, and ensuring strategic priorities are embedded across the institution.
Key Responsibilities
Working in partnership with the University Executive and broader institution, you will:
- Lead the University’s strategy function and strategic planning processes.
- Advise the Vice-Chancellor and senior leaders on emerging national, international, policy and geopolitical developments.
- Drive the delivery and monitoring of the University’s strategic priorities and institutional performance.
- Lead the identification, evaluation and development of major strategic ventures and growth opportunities.
- Oversee the Strategic Program Office and Strategic Planning and Ventures team, ensuring effective governance and delivery of major initiatives.
- Build strong partnerships across faculties, portfolios and external stakeholders to support strategic alignment.
- Develop or partner with others to develop strategic responses to opportunities and challenges across areas such as:
- International education and student growth
- Offshore and international campus development
- Artificial intelligence and its implications for education and research
- Product and course portfolio strategy
- New educational models and agile learning offerings
- Long-term institutional sustainability and competitiveness
Leadership Impact
The Strategy function is entering a new phase of evolution. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build capability, strengthen engagement and create a high-performing culture within a team of approximately 30 professionals across strategy, planning and strategic program delivery.
You will bring the leadership maturity and credibility to challenge constructively, foster collaboration, inspire teams and build strong relationships across a highly complex stakeholder environment.
About You
You are an accomplished strategic leader with a demonstrated ability to influence at the highest levels of an organisation and translate strategy into practical outcomes.
You will bring:
- Significant executive leadership experience within a large, complex organisation.
- A proven track record in corporate strategy, strategic planning, corporate development, transformation, consulting or a related field.
- Experience advising CEOs, Vice-Chancellors, boards or executive teams on enterprise-wide strategic issues.
- Deep understanding of strategy execution, organisational performance, governance and strategic program delivery.
- Exceptional analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to assess and develop new strategic opportunities.
- Experience building, leading and developing high-performing teams.
- The intellectual curiosity and external orientation to identify emerging trends and translate them into actionable strategic responses.
While experience in higher education is highly regarded, candidates from other complex sectors who have successfully led large-scale strategy functions and advised senior executives on enterprise-wide issues are encouraged to apply.
Why Join the University of Sydney?
As Australia’s first university and one of the world’s leading research-intensive institutions, the University of Sydney is committed to creating and sharing knowledge that improves lives.
The Chief Strategy Officer will play a pivotal role in helping shape the University’s future at a time of significant transformation. This position offers unparalleled exposure to executive decision-making, the opportunity to influence institutional direction on a global scale, and the chance to contribute to the future of higher education.
How to Apply
The University of Sydney is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
To request a candidate briefing pack or to have an initial discussion, please contact:
Dr Courtenay Atwell
Email: usydcso@kornferry.com
Applications should include a brief cover letter and curriculum vitae and be submitted by midnight on Thursday 23 July 2026.
Applications Close
Thursday 23 July 2026 11:59 PM
