Lead the Future of Tech Policy – Head of Policy at UTS Human Technology Institute

Role Overview

The Human Technology Institute (HTI) at UTS is seeking a strategic and visionary leader to become Head of Policy. This senior role is pivotal in shaping HTI’s internal coherence and external influence across its policy programs. You’ll lead a team working at the intersection of technology, regulation, and public interest, particularly in AI and emerging technologies. The role demands a sophisticated approach to stitching together diverse workstreams, ensuring systematic planning and rigorous program design. You’ll help guide how HTI engages in reform processes and public inquiries, making informed decisions about where and how to participate.

HTI

HTI is at the forefront of driving the regulatory, governance and technical change needed to enable the benefits of digital technologies to be broadly felt, the harms effectively controlled, and our human rights upheld.

Bringing together a team of experts with deep experience in law, policy, procurement, governance, statistics, software engineering and artificial intelligence, we directly influence policy, help Australian business responsibly adopt digital technologies and build new data-driven systems that unlock value for marginalised communities.

Our cross-disciplinarity and deep connection to the full digital technology design, development, evaluation and deployment lifecycle enables us to deliver solutions for government and business that are not wedded to any one silo or perspective.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across HTI’s Policy Lab, driving coherence and alignment across vertical programs.

• Introduce structured planning and delivery frameworks, ensuring consistency and impact.

• Manage financial and human resources, and oversee diverse policy teams to deliver high-quality, timely outputs.

• Represent HTI in public forums and media, shaping the national regulatory discourse through compelling storytelling.

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with government, regulators, donors, and civil society.

• Coordinate communications across HTI’s Policy, Skills, and Tools Labs to consolidate outputs into unified value.

• Lead HTI’s participation in reform processes and inquiries, resourcing them effectively and strategically.

Role Requirements

• Deep expertise in technology policy, especially AI regulation, human rights or consumer rights, and responsible technology.

• Proven leadership in strategy development, stakeholder engagement, and program oversight.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with experience in public engagement and media.

• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale projects and budgets.

• Postgraduate qualifications in public policy, law, or technology (highly desirable).

• Ability to manage and build donor relationships and deliver collaborative, cross-disciplinary outcomes.

Inclusivity

If there is any content in our advertising that has caused difficulties, please let us know so that we can make our information accessible to all.

In addition, if you have a disability that requires adjustment to the recruitment process or an alternative application pathway please contact recruitment@uts.edu.au for assistance. We will follow up to discuss suitable alternate accommodations for your application submission.

UTS is recognised widely as supporting inclusivity and diversity through our Wingara Indigenous Employment Strategy, Social Impact Framework and UTS Access and Inclusion Plan. Cited as a WGEA Employer of Choice since the inception of the award, we were among the first Australian institutions to receive the Athena SWAN Bronze Accreditation for our commitment to action addressing gender equity in the STEMM disciplines.

We welcome applications from women, Indigenous Australians, people with disability, those who identify as LGBTIQ and applicants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

How to Apply:

For further information or to apply, please contact Courtenay Atwell at courtenay.atwell@kornferry.com

The closing date for applications is Friday 18 July 2025.