Director, Data & Information Governance

Purpose of the position

The Director of Data & Information Governance is a senior leadership role within AFSA. The role is responsible for the strategic development and implementation of the AFSA’s data and Information Governance framework, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and regulations, and promoting a culture of quality and integrity across AFSA’s enterprise data and information assets. 

This role oversees a team of data and Information Governance professionals that collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure data and information policies and procedures are consistently followed in alignment with AFSA’s strategic vision and business objectives.

Key accountabilities

As a leader in the Technology Services Division, the Director of Data & Information Governance will develop, communicate and implement the enterprise data and Information Governance program with a commitment to continuous improvement in alignment with divisional objectives, whole of government requirements and future capability considerations. 

The Director of Data & Information Governance will provide leadership, management and mentorship over the Data & Information Governance section to ensure AFSA’s data and information assets are accurately defined, effectively managed and protected to enable intelligence-led regulation. Key accountabilities are:  

• Engaging on strategic initiatives across AFSA and the Technology Services Division, leading the planning and development of data and Information Governance initiatives.
• Ensuring alignment of data and Information Governance practices with agency-wide goals and whole of governance legislation and regulations, focusing on data quality, integrity and security. 
• Developing, implementing and maintaining a comprehensive data and Information Governance framework across AFSA that supports the enhancement of enterprise data and information capabilities, embeds defined roles and responsibilities related to data and Information Governance and ensures clear accountability for stewardship of data and information assets.
• Providing thought leadership on data and Information Governance, representing AFSA in whole-of-government forums and at industry events.
• Building effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Engaging with external stakeholders to ensure compliance with data and information regulations and to leverage external data and information sources effectively.
• Leading and coordinating governance committees and working groups with internal stakeholders that manage quality and risk considerations relating to data and information quality. 
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to embed data and Information Governance practices throughout the organisation.
• Identifying and managing data and information related risks, developing strategies to mitigate them through robust controls.
• Leading the creation and maintenance of data policies, standards, and procedures to ensure consistent data and information practices across the agency.
• Overseeing a team of data and Information Governance professionals, fostering a positive and collaborative work culture.
• Providing coaching, mentorship and development opportunities to ensure the section’s ongoing success.
• Undertaking other duties or functions as directed by the National Manager.

All duties will be performed in accordance with:

• the APS (Australian Public Service) Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles.
• WHS obligations, taking responsibility for own health and safety and that of others.
• AFSA’s risk management framework and relevant legislation, including guiding others to identify and mitigate foreseeable risks.

Skills and capabilities

Fosters high performance 

Holds self and others responsible for achieving results and agreed outcomes. Strives for continuous improvement by identifying better ways of working or opportunities to contribute to the work of others. Encourages and supports openness, persistence and genuine debate around critical issues.

Leads change 

Ability to develop and implement a structured and consultative approach to support the transition of individuals and teams from a current state to a desired future state.

Working with ambiguity

Demonstrates proactivity, emotional intelligence and self-direction in the face of uncertainty or new situations. Demonstrates high levels of persistence and resilience. Applies a solution-focused approach to solving problems through collaboration with stakeholders to achieve fit for purpose outcomes. 

Engages with and mitigates risk 

Complies with organisational and legislative risk management policies, procedures and practices. Demonstrates a proactive and responsible attitude towards the identification and management of risk.  

Operates efficiently 

Prioritises workload to achieve outcomes. Takes a flexible approach to planning in order to meet changing circumstances and considers the impact on others.

Communicates simply, tailors messages to the audience

Communicate clearly in plain English, without using jargon. Demonstrates an ability to convey a message succinctly and with empathy, regardless of medium (written, verbal, digital). Ability to engage and influence widely across Government, academic and private sectors.

Fosters a service culture

Keep clients and stakeholders at the centre of decisions and actions, including internal systems and processes. Displays strong personal drive and integrity, and demonstrates empathy and listens deeply, to understand the stakeholder’s context, challenges and needs. 

Leverages technology to improve business processes 

Utilises and implements technology solutions to enhance business processes leading to improved business outcomes. Enhances digital dexterity by continual learning of technology and digital platforms.

Qualifications, accreditations and experience

• Tertiary qualifications in data and Information Governance or related discipline is desirable; significant management experience in data and information roles, including leading change and service delivery functions. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in high pressure environments, and effectively communicate technical information in clear, compelling ways to varied technology and business stakeholders. 
• Strong track record and experience in delivering complex business-led, ICT enabled projects including a sound understanding of tools and methodologies, governance, control standards and stakeholder engagement.