Chief Risk Officer

Terms: Full-time, Fixed-term (5 years)
Location: Canberra, ACT

Founded in 1946 by the Commonwealth Government, The Australian National University (ANU) was created to be a university comparable with the world’s best. 78 years later, that vision is realised every day, as ANU continues to provide our nation with unparalleled education and research excellence.

Joining ANU as our inaugural Chief Risk Officer (CRO) presents a rare leadership opportunity to establish and lead the establishment of the University Risk Office, delivering a comprehensive enterprise risk management framework. Reporting to the General Counsel, you will provide high-level strategic advice to the Strategic Leadership Group, ANU Council, and other key stakeholders on risk and audit matters, embedding a culture of proactive risk awareness and best-practice management processes aligned with the University’s strategic priorities.

Your role will be pivotal in integrating risk considerations into decision-making and strategic planning across the University. Working closely with University leadership, external partners, and regulators, you will enhance organisational resilience and oversee internal and external audit functions. Your leadership will ensure continuous improvement in risk practices, enabling ANU to navigate complexity and achieve sustained success in a dynamic global environment.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and forward-thinking senior risk executive to make a significant contribution at Australia’s national university, one of the world’s leading universities. By leading the development of a comprehensive risk management approach, the CRO will enhance the University’s ability to achieve its strategic priorities, ensuring resilience and sustained excellence in a complex and evolving environment.

Confidential enquiries:

Davidson Executive Search is assisting ANU with this appointment. Contact Nicola Wortley or Ryan Webster at Davidson Executive Search to discuss this opportunity in the strictest of confidence. A detailed candidate application pack including the position description and selection criteria is available on request.  

Nicola Wortley
T: +61 418 863 328
E: Nicola.wortley@davidsonwp.com

Ryan Webster
M: +61 427 329 443
E: ryan.webster@davidsonwp.com

Applications close on Sunday 23 February 2025 at 11:55 pm AEDT. 

Please note, ANU is not accepting applications through this job portal. All enquiries and applications should be directed to Davidson Executive Search via the contact details above.

ANU values diversity and inclusion and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to those of all backgrounds and identities. For more information about staff equity at ANU, visit https://services.anu.edu.au/human-resources/respect-inclusion

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a background check during the recruitment process. An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory results.