Chief Operating Officer

Derwent Search; Sydney; On-site; AUD 300,000 - 460,000; Full time

Job summary

Curtin University is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to join the senior executive team, reporting to the Vice-Chancellor.

The role has end-to-end accountability for Digital and Technology Services, Properties and Facilities, Corporate Communications, Risk, Compliance and Audit, Accommodation and Community Services, Foreign Risk, and Privacy and Information Management, with seven direct reports and about 460 staff.

Qualifications

• Proven executive leadership in a large, complex organisation.
• Experience overseeing risk, compliance and assurance frameworks.
• Ability to advise Boards or Councils on high-risk matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead Digital and Technology Services, Properties & Facilities, Corporate Communications, Risk, Compliance & Audit, Accommodation and Community Services, Foreign Risk, and Privacy and Information Management.
• Oversee major capital works programs through Council/Committee governance.
• Provide executive guidance on institutional risk, including cyber and data risk, to senior leadership.

Skills

Executive leadership

Risk management

Governance

Cyber risk

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Ranked in the top 1% of universities worldwide in the 2025 Academic Ranking of World Universities, Curtin is a global institution with campuses across Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Mauritius and Colombo, and a reputation for high-impact research and strong industry partnerships.

This is an opportunity to join Curtin's senior executive as Chief Operating Officer, reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, following the retirement of a long-serving incumbent. The role carries end-to-end accountability for Digital and Technology Services, Properties, Facilities & Development, Corporate Communications, Risk, Compliance & Audit, Accommodation and Community Services, Foreign Risk, and Privacy and Information Management with seven direct reports and approximately 460 in total across the team. You will drive the university's digital roadmap, steer a significant capital works program through Council and Committee governance, and provide executive-level advice on institutional risk, including cyber, data and foreign risk.
We are looking for a senior operator with the credibility to lead large, technical teams. You are level-headed under pressure, curious about the business beyond your own portfolio and an exceptional team player.

You will bring proven executive leadership in a large, complex organisation, with accountability for multiple operational portfolios, extensive experience overseeing risk, compliance and assurance frameworks, and demonstrated capability advising Boards or Councils on complex, high-risk matters. A university background is not required but experience of an equivalent scope and breadth is essential. The chief executive of a smaller, complex organisation, will also be considered.

Applicaitons close:4th October 2026.