Data Privacy Lead

Job Description

• Employment Type: Full-time, Fixed Term 12 month role.
• Remuneration: Competitive Total Package
• Location: Kensington, NSW

About UNSW

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work. We aspire to be Australia’s global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society.

Why your role matters

The Data Privacy Lead establishes UNSW’s enterprise approach to privacy, embedding "privacy by design" across the University’s data and technology ecosystem. This senior specialist designs the data privacy framework to ensure compliant use of sensitive information in research, teaching, and operations.

Collaborating with Legal, Cyber Security, and Data Governance, the role manages privacy obligations throughout the data lifecycle. The position provides expert advisory on legislative requirements and impact assessments to drive continuous improvement. Reporting to the Director of Data Privacy and Security, this is a dedicated specialist role with no direct reports.

About the Role

The successful applicant will be required to undertake and have experience in the following areas of expertise:

• Establish and lead the enterprise data privacy framework by developing standards and controls for the responsible handling of sensitive data.
• Integrate privacy-by-design into technology and data projects, partnering with Legal, Cyber Security, and Data Governance to ensure early intervention.
• Serve as an authoritative advisor to senior stakeholders and researchers on compliant data collection, sharing, and de-identification practices.
• Oversee and guide Privacy and Data Protection Impact Assessments (PIAs/DPIAs) to identify and mitigate risks for high-profile initiatives.
• Maintain enterprise privacy policies and guidance materials, ensuring alignment with evolving legislation and regulatory expectations.
• Monitor privacy compliance indicators and report insights to the Chief Data Officer and relevant governance forums to drive continuous improvement.

About You

• Tertiary qualifications in data privacy, information governance, or a related field, complemented by relevant professional experience.
• Expert knowledge of Australian and international privacy laws (Privacy Act, GDPR, PPIP, HRIP) and best-practice management frameworks.
• Proven experience developing and implementing privacy frameworks, policies, and operational processes within a complex organisational environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage Privacy Impact Assessments and provide practical advice on compliance and risk mitigation.
• Strong understanding of the intersection between data governance, cybersecurity, and information management regarding privacy assurance.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence and partner effectively across technical, legal, and business domains.

How to Apply

Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the Position Description) before Sunday 31st April by 11:55pm.

Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role, valid Australian working rights are required on application.

UNSW Benefits and Culture

People are at the core of everything we do. We recognise it is the contributions of our staff who make UNSW one of the best universities in Australia and the world. Our benefits include:

• Flexible Working Options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Additional 3 days leave during December festive period.
• Career development opportunities
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% Superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice.
• Discounts and entitlements (retail, education, fitness passport)

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.

These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:

• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks.
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

Posted: 06/05/2026