Head of Data Governance (Higher Education)

Head of Data Governance

Sydney | Leading University | 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract | Hybrid Working

Our client, a prestigious higher education institution in Sydney, is seeking a strategic and collaborative Head of Data Governance to lead the development and implementation of a university-wide data governance framework.

This 12-month fixed-term contract is an exceptional opportunity to shape how the university manages and leverages data as a trusted strategic asset. The role will suit someone who thrives in a complex environment, enjoys bringing structure and clarity to data management, and can influence change across diverse academic and professional areas.

The Role

As the Head of Data Governance, you’ll transform governance principles into practical, sustainable practices – establishing clear data ownership and stewardship models, quality controls, metadata standards, and compliance frameworks that underpin trusted analytics, reporting, and innovation.

Working in partnership with faculties, divisions, and professional services, you’ll embed governance into day-to-day management, champion data stewardship, and ensure alignment with institutional priorities, regulatory obligations, and the broader enterprise data agenda.

Reporting to the Director of Data Management, this position also has leadership responsibility for a small, high-performing team.

Key Responsibilities

* Develop, implement, and continuously improve the enterprise data governance framework, policies, and standards
* Define and operationalise data ownership and stewardship models with clear accountability and escalation processes
* Establish and maintain metadata standards, business glossaries, and data dictionaries
* Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory obligations (Privacy Act, State Records Act, TEQSA, GDPR where applicable)
* Lead and coordinate governance committees, working groups, and reporting structures
* Partner with stakeholders across academic and professional areas to resolve data quality and ownership issues
* Deliver training and communication programs to uplift data literacy and foster shared accountability
* Monitor sector trends, emerging regulations, and best practices to drive continuous improvement
* Champion a culture of ethical, transparent, and responsible data use

About You

* Tertiary qualifications in information or data management (or related discipline) and extensive relevant experience
* Proven success in data governance, information management, or enterprise data leadership within a large, complex organisation
* Strong understanding of data governance disciplines including stewardship, quality, metadata, privacy, and records management
* Experience embedding governance frameworks into business-as-usual operations, not just designing them
* Excellent communication, influencing, and facilitation skills – able to build trust and engagement with diverse stakeholders
* Familiarity with higher education regulatory frameworks (TEQSA, Privacy Act, State Records Act)
* Experience building capability through training, guidance materials, or communities of practice
* Demonstrated alignment with the university’s values of integrity, inclusion, and continuous improvement

Contract Details

* 12-month fixed-term contract
* Hybrid working model – regular on-site presence required at the Sydney campus (candidates must be based in NSW)
* Applicants must hold full working rights in Australia

Why Join?

This is a rare opportunity to influence how one of Australia’s leading universities manages and governs its most valuable asset – data. You’ll play a key role in shaping a culture of trusted, compliant, and innovative data use that supports research, education, and institutional excellence.