EL2 - Director Data Strategy and Partnerships

We actively seek to reflect the diversity of the Australian community in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people people with disability and/or who are neurodivergent people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and members of the LGBTQIA community including people of all genders and gender identities. We uphold gender equality as a core organisational value. If youre interested in the role but feel uncertain we still encourage you to apply if you feel your passions transferable skills and valuable experience align with this position.

The opportunity we have available

We are seeking an experienced enthusiastic and motivated Director who can successfully drive the strategic engagement and delivery activities for the Data Strategy and Partnerships section (DSP). DSP leads delivery of the departments Data Strategy 2025-29 in partnership with business areas and supports the Chief Data Officer to represent the department in cross government data forums. The section works to embed a strong data use culture uplift enterprise data capability and improve how data is managed as a strategic business asset and artificial intelligence readiness. We seek candidates who have experience in and an understanding of the critical role data plays. Demonstrated experience in leadership and data activities to achieve excellent outcomes will be an advantage.

What will you do

Key activities as part of the role include leading a team to:

• Implement the Data Strategy 2025-29 in partnership with key departmental stakeholders
• Deliver projects to implement transformational data initiatives across the department
• Develop rolling annual Data Strategy Action Plans to uplift departmental data capability
• Support the CDO and Indigenous Data Champion to implement departmental data governance and management and the Framework for Governance of Indigenous Data
• Champion data capability uplift initiatives
• Provide briefings and advice on a broad range of data matters to departmental and external stakeholders including senior executives
• Provide formal advice to the Executive and Government such as Cabinet submissions and proposals for new policies and programs.

Who are we looking for

The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the EL2 Work Level standards. This includes demonstrating a positive attitude resourcefulness initiative collaboration and flexibility to deliver results. Successful candidates will have strong leadership skills excellent communication skills sound judgement strong stakeholder engagement skills strong organisation and project management skills and the ability to manage complexity and deliver quality outcomes.

Experience leading teams responsible for enterprise capability uplift initiatives or strong project management experience is highly regarded. Tertiary qualifications in data governance data management data science data analytics information systems or a related discipline are desirable but not essential. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who have built relevant capability through professional experience have led departmental initiatives or have a strong interest in the value and effective use of data.

To be successful in this role you will need to demonstrate your ability to:

• Lead a team to achieve outcomes in a complex environment.
• Think strategicallyevaluating complex information from a variety of sources to make connections and sound decisions while exercising good judgement.
• Support the team and the CDO to achieve results and quality outcomesby showing initiative and leadership working in a small group and delivering multiple activities at any given time often within tight timeframes.
• Communicate effectivelyboth verbally and in writing delivering information in a variety of formats and for a range of audiences.
• Collaborate across diverse teamsusing your advanced interpersonal and engagement skills to engage with senior leaders and a wide variety of stakeholders valuing different perspectives contributions and backgrounds.
• Have a growth mindsetwith a willingness to continue to learn develop and foster an environment for team members to do the same.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Cultural capability requirement

The department believes every role contributes to cultural safety and that building staff cultural capability helps us deliver better policies programs and services for First Nations people and the broader Australian community. Candidates will be required to demonstrate their willingness to develop their cultural capability as part of the assessment making it a requirement across all roles in our department we are taking a practical step in delivering our commitments under the Our Stories on CountryAgreementand the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Strategy 202528.

As an EL2 you will be expected to:

• Provide strategic leadership to embed cultural capability across programs policies or functions.
• Influence senior leaders on culturally informed approaches.
• Drive partnerships and co-design with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities where applicable or appropriate.

RecruitAbility minimum requirements

The Department of Infrastructure Transport Regional Development Communications Sport and the Arts is committed to supporting the employment and career development of people with disability. Our participation in APS RecruitAbility means we will progress an applicant with disability to a further stage in the recruitment process where they opt into RecruitAbility and meet the minimum requirements for the vacancy.

You will be asked to indicate if you wish to opt into RecruitAbility in the application form. You must tick the opt in box to participate in RecruitAbility. Simply declaring that you have a disability will not automatically include you.

We provide reasonable adjustments such as access equipment or other practical support at relevant stages of
the recruitment process. Please advise in the application form or the contact officer if you need any adjustments made.

The minimum requirements for this role include:

• Strategic and program management skills including an ability to develop interpret and apply policies and processes.
• Effective people management and leadership skills.
• Ability to engage and influence stakeholders in a professional and effective manner
• Qualification in a data related field or equivalent experience.

More information can be found atRecruitAbility scheme: A guide for applicants Australian Public Service Commission.

What else can we offer

We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development empowering individuals to set goals acquire new skills and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. We believe that this not only leads to a more fulfilling and happier life but also enhances the overall quality of our work. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Senior Executive support to help you thrive in the position irrespective of your goals.
• Access to our study Assistance Program that provides paid leave and financial support for you to undertake courses of study that contribute to the improvements of your professional skills and knowledge relevant to our work and broader Australian Public Service.
• Through our investment in learning and development opportunities and a positive performance culture we provide diverse career pathways for our people to enable their mobility and adapt in a rapidly changing world.
• Improving your leadership skills through the departments Professional Coaching Scheme and tailored leadership opportunities for staff members.
• Flexible working opportunities including part time hours home based work and job sharing.
• Generous leave entitlements of 20 days personal circumstances leave per year with one months accrual of leave credited on commencement and 150 hours of paid annual leave (based on a full-time employee) plus a range of other miscellaneous leave options to support you.

Join our department and embark on a journey of growth fulfillment and well-being. Experience personal and professional development prioritise your health and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance.

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the Department of Infrastructure Transport Regional Development Communications Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
• Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the departments preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia or have a checkable background for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
• Police check: The successful candidate must satisfactory complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
• Integrity and Performance check: The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check which is completed by your most recent employer.
• Qualifications: Tertiary qualifications in data science analytics information systems information technology computer science statistics public policy or a related discipline or equivalent seniorlevel experience is desirable but not essential.

Timeline and assessment

A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.

If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.

Applications open: Wednesday 15 April 2026

Applications close: Monday 4 May 2026

Application shortlisting: Thursday 7 May 2026

Further assessments: Thursday 14 May 2026

Selection report finalised: Week starting 25 May 2026

Offers and announcements: Week starting 1 June 2026

The above is indicative only please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.

Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job and the Work level standards. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted you may be asked to undertake further assessment this may include work sample testing interviews and reference checks.

How to apply

Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEST Monday 4 May 2026.

In applying for this position you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather you should provide in a PDF document a statement of no more than 2 pages outlining your background capabilities and experiences and how these align with the advertised role.

You should also provide a tailored CV in PDF no more than 5 pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the Who are we looking for section.

Your application should be received through the departments online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.

If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team onor via email at to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.

Please advise the contact officer if you require adjustments during the recruitment process. We recognize and value diversity as our strength and promote a culture of inclusion to enhance our work performance and the wellbeing of our employees. We are committed to systems that are accessible inclusive and safe for all. If you need any further information about accessibility and inclusion at our department please contact .

Work with us. Apply now!