Seeking an AI Program Lead12-Month Contract
Adelaide, SA
Your new company
A higher education organisation is seeking an experienced Senior AI Program Lead (Contractor) to lead the definition and delivery of a University-wide Artificial Intelligence (AI) Program. This senior engagement will play a pivotal role in translating the University's emerging AI strategy into practical, scalable, and value-driven capabilities across teaching, research, and operations.
Your new role
Key responsibilitiesAI Roadmap Development & Activation
Translate the University's AI strategy into a clear, actionable IT-led roadmap and delivery plan
Support prioritisation of AI use cases aligned to agreed institutional objectives and measurable value
Governance, Risk & Compliance (Delivery Focus)
Implement practical AI governance, risk, and compliance controls aligned to University frameworks
Ensure strong focus on cyber security, data protection, privacy, and responsible AI practices
Operating Model & Capability Enablement
Define an IT operating model to support AI delivery, including roles, responsibilities, and ways of working
Partner with AI and Data Platforms teams to uplift internal capability, delivery maturity, and knowledge transfer
Program Leadership & Delivery
Establish and lead a structured AI program of work within IT
Oversee delivery of initial pilots and proofs of concept, defining clear pathways to scale successful initiatives
Technology & Platform Alignment
Work with the CTO and platform teams to align AI initiatives with existing and emerging data and cloud capabilities
Support the selection, integration, and management of enabling technologies and external vendors where required
Stakeholder Engagement & Adoption
Engage with IT and business stakeholders to ensure AI initiatives are practical,



adopted, and value-driven
Build understanding of AI capabilities, limitations, and delivery approach across the University
Key deliverables
Defined and mobilised AI Program within IT, including roadmap, delivery plan, and governance approach
Established foundational AI infrastructure, data integration approach, and operating model (in partnership with platform teams)
Delivery of initial AI use cases and pilots, with transparent scalability pathways
Embedded governance and risk controls aligned to University standards
Clear articulation of capability uplift requirements and the ongoing AI delivery model within IT
What you'll need to succeed
Essential
Proven experience leading AI or large-scale digital programs from strategy through to delivery
Senior IT leadership experience (Director level or above), reporting to CIO or equivalent
Demonstrated ability to translate strategy into executable, value-driven programs
Experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder enterprise programs
Strong knowledge of AI/ML and Generative AI concepts and applications
Experience implementing AI governance, risk, and compliance controls in enterprise environments
Solid understanding of enterprise technology, cloud platforms, and data architectures
Leadership capability
Strong executive stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills
Proven experience driving organisational adoption, change, and capability uplift
Desirable
Experience working within complex or federated organisations
Familiarity with the Australian higher education environment
Experience supporting large-scale transformation or merger-related change programs
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
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📌 Ai Program Lead (Adelaide)
🏢 Hays
📍 Adelaide