Head of Research Insights & Analytics

The University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Job summary

The University of Sydney invites applications for a strategic Head of Research Insights and Analytics to lead and grow the institution's analytics capability. This role partners with Research Portfolio, faculties and senior leaders to translate data into actionable insights that drive research strategy, investment decisions and performance benchmarking.

You will lead a specialist team, shaping governance, visualization and self-service reporting while ensuring data integrity, security and

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior leadership role in analytics or planning within a large organisation.
• Proven ability to engage and influence senior executives and diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in analytics, reporting, benchmarking and data governance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of predictive analytics and self-service reporting environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of the University’s research analytics strategy.
• Partner with academic and professional leaders to deliver actionable insights for strategy and investment.
• Oversee analytics and reporting for external assessments and benchmarking exercises.
• Drive innovation in research reporting, visualization and self-service capabilities.
• Establish robust data governance, quality and compliance frameworks.
• Lead, develop and mentor a high-performing analytics team.
• Monitor trends in research policy, funding, analytics to identify opportunities and risks.

Skills

Leadership experience

Analytics

Stakeholder engagement

Data governance

Self-service reporting

Predictive analytics

Communication skills

Tools

Visualization tools

Reporting platforms

Job description

• Full-time, continuing position within the Advanced Analytics, Planning and Enterprise Data team
• Lead the University's research analytics capability, driving research excellence, impact and performance through data-driven insights
• Offering a competitive remuneration package including 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The University is seeking a Head of Research Insights and Analytics to lead and shape the institution's research analytics capability. This will entail defining how research evidence, data and intelligence are used to inform strategy, improve performance, and advance research excellence and impact across all disciplines.

Reporting to the Chief Data and Analytics Officer and leading a specialist team, you will partner with the Research Portfolio, faculties and senior academic leaders to deliver strategic research insights that support evidence-based decision-making, research investment and institutional priorities. You will drive the continual evolution of research analytics, reporting, benchmarking, visualisation and self-service capabilities, while ensuring research data remains trusted, secure, compliant and fit for purpose.

This role is ideal for an experienced analytics leader who combines strategic thinking, strong stakeholder engagement and deep technical expertise to translate complex data into meaningful actions and measurable outcomes. You will play a critical role in strengthening the University's research performance, supporting major external assessments and enhancing its national and global standing.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• lead the development and execution of the University's research analytics strategy, aligning research intelligence with institutional priorities and performance objectives
• partner with academic and professional leaders to deliver actionable insights that inform research strategy, resource allocation and investment decisions
• oversee analytics and reporting for major external assessments and submissions, including rankings and benchmarking exercises
• drive innovation in research reporting, visualisation, predictive analytics and self-service capabilities to improve access to trusted insights
• establish robust data governance, quality and compliance frameworks that ensure the integrity, security and reliability of research information
• lead, develop and mentor a high-performing analytics team while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement
• monitor emerging trends in research policy, funding, assessment and analytics to identify opportunities and risks that may impact research performance and institutional outcomes.

About you

• significant experience in a senior leadership role within a research analytics, data analytics, institutional planning or comparable function in a large and complex organisation
• demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing analytics teams and building organisational capability in data-driven decision-making
• proven ability to engage and influence senior executives, academic leaders and diverse stakeholder groups through the delivery of strategic insights and advice
• extensive experience in analytics, reporting, performance measurement, benchmarking and data governance frameworks
• strong understanding of contemporary analytics practices, including predictive analytics, visualisation and self-service reporting environments
• exceptional communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex analytical concepts into clear business outcomes.

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.

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.