Head of Student Insights and Analytics

• Full time, continuing position within the Advanced Analytics, Planning and Enterprise Data team

• Lead the delivery of targeted insights to shape strategy, improve outcomes and transform the end-to-end student experience.

• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University is seeking a Head of Student Insights and Analytics to set strategic direction and embed an insight led culture across portfolios and faculties, aligned to modern insights and analytics practices. Leading a team of analytics specialists, you will drive operational excellence, uplifting platforms, pipelines, reporting and visualisation for scalable, self service access, while translating insights into action through clear adoption pathways, measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.

This role is ideal for an Insights and Analytics leader with extensive experience in proactively scanning sector trends and market dynamics. The Head of Student Insights and Analytics defines and leads the University’s institution wide insights capability, defining how evidence, data and intelligence are used to shape strategy, improve outcomes and transform the end-to-end student experience.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• proactively monitor emerging trends in higher education, student behaviour, market dynamics and market positioning

• ensure the University remains ahead of sector shifts and is equipped to respond to emerging risks and opportunities

• work closely with and advise members of the University Executive as well as other senior leaders

• understand the requirements of each business area, translate complex analytical concepts into clear, actionable business insights, and promote the strategic value of data‑driven decision‑making.

• act as an insights thought leader for the University by monitoring emerging trends in market research, analytics, student experience intelligence and data technologies

• lead activities that strengthen the organisation’s capacity to deliver insights at scale.

About you

• working experience in a senior leadership role within an Analytics and Planning function within a large and multi-faceted organisation (tertiary sector and institutional knowledge is advantageous)

• successful leadership and management of a high-performing team of analytics specialists with the ability to uplift capability, and build a culture of innovation, service excellence and collaboration

• proven experience in identifying opportunities for innovation, championing modern market research and analytical practices, and ensuring the institution is equipped to leverage data

• demonstrated capability in leading the uplift of reporting and visualisation practices across the institution, ensuring insights are delivered through modern, intuitive, consistent and scalable reporting channels

• able to operate with a high degree of tact and professionalism across all levels of diverse internal and external environments

• outstanding presentation, communication and influencing skills to drive key messaging and actionable insights across varied and diverse audiences.

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 LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum 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 Nayomi Siriwardane, Recruitment Operations by email to [email protected]

© The University of Sydney

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

Click to view the Position Description for this role.

Applications Close

Friday 22 May 2026 11:59 PM