About the role
In this role, you will guide and influence teams across the organisation to foster a strong data-driven culture, ensuring alignment with organisational goals, regulatory requirements, and best practices. You will work closely with executives, operational teams, IT professionals, and external partners to embed data governance principles at all levels.

Work type: Permanent Full Time
Classification: SPL - $144, 271 pa plus super

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead initiatives to improve data quality, classification, accessibility, and compliance.
• Act as the primary point of contact for data governance issues, providing guidance and support to stakeholders.
• Coach and mentor colleagues and team members, uplifting department’s capabilities to meet the requirements of its future strategic goals.
• Conduct regular Data Maturity Assessments to evaluate progress on the data maturity roadmap and ensure alignment with the broader organisational strategy.
• Deep understanding of data governance frameworks, principles, and tools, with a focus on quality, privacy, and compliance.
• Ability to assess complex data challenges, propose actionable solutions, and align them with organisational priorities.
• Experience driving cultural change and embedding new practices within an organisation. 

About you
To be successful in this role, you will have a tertiary qualification in Computer Science, Information Systems or a related field, and or significant professional experience in a comparable organisation at least 6 years or more.

Essential Experience:

• Significant professional experience in a data governance role preferably in the not-for-profit or local government sectors.
• Expertise in frameworks such as DAMA-DMBOK (Data Management Body of Knowledge) or other industry standards.
• Understanding of Australian laws such as the Privacy Act 1988, and related local government data compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in classifying and managing data based on its sensitivity, importance, and lifecycle stages.
• Familiarity with data governance tools (e.g. Azure Purview).
• Current Working with Children Check (employee).
• Preferred candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process (funded by the City).

If this sounds like the role for you, then click apply now! 

Child Safety Responsibilities   
We are committed to being a child-safe organisation and have zero-tolerance for child abuse. We have specific policies, procedures, and mandatory training in place to support employees, volunteers, and contractors to achieve and adhere to these commitments. Please read our Child Safe Standards Management Policy.  

Diversity and Inclusion  
At the City we want a workforce that reflects the community we live in. We welcome and embrace everyone, all people with their own unique experiences, and support and encourage all our employees to do their best work, have equal access to opportunities and a just working environment. For this reason, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from First Nations people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, from the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability and people of all genders, ages and diverse experience.  

We are the City
From parks to offices, childcare centres to works depots, leisure facilities to the Wool Museum and waterfront, our team plays a vital role in shaping our vibrant and growing community. Our community counts on us to get the essentials right while looking for ways to go beyond. By listening, collaborating, and focusing on sustainability, we strive to do the basics brilliantly and create a lasting impact. If you’re ready to be part of something bigger, join us in shaping the future of Geelong.

We support accessibility and encourage discussions about any adjustments or support you may need during the recruitment process.

Applications and Enquiries

Click the Position Description link to view more information about this position.

Enquiries:  Ajay Radhakrishnan | Senior Manager Digital and Data | Ajay.Radhakrishnan@geelongcity.vic.gov.au

Click the Apply button to submit your application or find out more about this opportunity. If we can assist you with any reasonable adjustments in order to submit your application for this role, please contact the Talent Acquisition team via email at careers@geelongcity.vic.gov.au noting your preferred method of communication and contact details and a member of the team will be in touch.

We collect demographic data to help us learn who our advertisements are reaching and how we can reach an even more diverse audience.  We are committed to building a more diverse team. Your responses to our demographic questions are strictly confidential and will not be individually shared.

#LI-Hybrid