Chief Information Officer

Chief Information Officer – Maximum Term (5 years with the possibility of a second 5-year term to a maximum of 10 years), Full Time (5 days per week).

It is mandatory to hold a current Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or the unrestricted Right to Work in Australia for the duration of the contract term, at the time that you apply for this position.

AFTRS is the national screen and audio school – the only Australian education institution to consistently make The Hollywood Reporter‘s prestigious annual list of the top film schools in the world. Working hand-in-hand with the screen and broadcast industries, AFTRS is a global centre of excellence that delivers the highest level of screen and audio education, training and research across Australia.

We are looking for a strategic and accomplished leader to join our creative, collaborative and dynamic Executive Team. The Chief Information Officer is responsible for the design and implementation of the AFTRS Technology Strategy, ensuring AFTRS has a robust ICT infrastructure in place to support the School’s corporate strategy and its remit to deliver world-leading creative education and screen and audio research across Australia. The Chief Information Officer will manage the Technology division overseeing all technology aspects of the school, including IT infrastructure, production technology, systems management, project scopes and budgets.

About the role:
As the Chief Information Officer at AFTRS, you will:

Strategic Leadership and Planning:

• Lead the design and ongoing review of AFTRS Technology Strategic Plan to ensure that information and production technology and systems across the organisation respond to the evolving needs of the School and strategy to support the delivery of world-leading student learning experiences.
• Lead ICT strategic and operational planning to achieve AFTRS objectives through the prioritisation and appropriate governance of ICT initiatives, and the coordination and evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future ICT systems across the organisation.
• Prepare and manage annual operational and capital budgets for ICT Services.
•  Maintain disaster recovery plan to ensure timely and effective restoration of information technology services in the event of a disaster.
•  Develop and implement information and data governance frameworks, policies, procedures, controls and standards that align with regulatory requirements.
• Lead the cultural change needed to support innovation and digital transformation.
• Provide regular reports, insights and analysis of key performance data to the Executive.

Information and Production Systems and Performance:

• Lead the Technology division to design, procure, and form business relationships and partnerships to maintain software and platforms in accordance with AFTRS Technology Strategic Plan.
• Lead a cohesive multi-disciplinary team, that delivers high quality, timely and effective ICT practices and services.
• Work closely with teaching and production teams to ensure the school’s technology systems and workflows are resilient, compliant, consistent with industry standards, and optimised for future growth in a creative learning environment. Lead the selection, acquisition, development and implementation of new production technology and ICT systems and solutions in accordance with best practice and regulatory compliance to ensure maximum return on investment.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for business-led innovation and development to deliver web-based and other ICT solutions that improve student experience, through maximising standardisation and harmonisation of IT system platforms and functions across AFTRS.
• Develop and maintain enterprise systems architecture, define standards and protocols for data management, communications, software and integration of network information systems.
• Actively seek efficiencies and savings including de-commissioning non-essential enterprise and LAN supported applications and systems.
•  Manage and implement digital learning systems, applications and remote accessibility to AFTRS screen and audio production facilities for multi-modal delivery of courses.
• Ensure technology systems and practices are well-integrated into the school’s organisational workflows. 

Security and Data Governance:

•  Lead and manage IT infrastructure, including data centers, cloud services, and networks, ensuring business continuity and security.
•  Implement and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity program that aligns with industry best practice and regulatory requirements.
•   Manage the provision of secure and stable ICT services to support business outcomes through effective risk management strategies, addressing any identified issues.
•  Define and maintain information and data standards and data quality and retention rules to ensure the accuracy, consistency and integrity of data.
•  Develop and implement comprehensive AI governance frameworks, including policies, standards, and best practices.
•  Anticipate and effectively respond to major emerging issues and critical incidents.

General: 

• Create and maintain culturally and psychologically safe learning and working environments.
• There may be a requirement to undertake tasks outside the scope of the responsibilities listed to support the organisation. AFTRS will engage in a conversation should these tasks arise.

About you – you have:

1. Significant experience in leading ICT in a complex, multi-functional agency.
2. Experience leading technology groups in the screen and audio industries with an understanding of the production environment from acquisition through to delivery of project.
3. Understanding and proficiency in production systems and platforms from an ICT standpoint and experience integrating production technologies.
4. Strong track record of delivery of on-time and on-budget ICT and network infrastructure projects with demonstrated project management skills and experience.
5. Demonstrated high level of communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to create and foster collaborative and productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
6. Proven management of culture change supporting digital transformation in an organisation.
7. Exceptional leadership skills with a strong ability to coach and motivate a team and experience in leading a multi-skilled division, creating and maintaining safe learning and working environments.
8. Demonstrated ability to think strategically, analyse and understand business requirements and deliver high level ICT related advice, planning, systems, strategies and policies.
9.  Demonstrated high-level professional ICT skills and knowledge and understanding of current ICT issues related to a higher education institution.
10. Strong commercial acumen and experience in managing departmental budgets.
11. Values-led with strong personal drive and integrity, a record of innovation and achievement, and a demonstrated ability to lead change.

Desirable

1. Tertiary qualifications in ICT related discipline or relevant equivalent experience.
2. Experience in broadcast, production, postproduction and finishing technologies
3.  Experience in production and postproduction security audits and compliance.
4. Active industry engagement and involvement in the broadcast and post industry bodies.
5.  Leadership experience in either a medium not for profit/creative arts or public sector organisation.

As a creative organisation, we understand the importance of offering flexible working to support your own creativity, wellbeing, and balance. We will genuinely consider applications for job share and part time working. We also support working from home and flexible working hours.

AFTRS is committed to building a richly diverse staff and faculty. AFTRS actively supports and appreciates workplace diversity, First Nations values, and we strongly encourage and welcome applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from a wide range of backgrounds and people with a disability. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments through our recruitment and selection process. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please email jobs@aftrs.edu.au or call 02 9805 6610.

Please note, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a Working with Children Check and Fit & Proper Person Check (includes an employee declaration and National Police Check).

Salary: Senior Executive Salary package commensurate with level, plus excellent benefits.

The closing date for Chief Information Officer submissions is Sunday 9 March 2025 11:59pm. Late applications cannot be accepted.