Research Data Governance Strategist

About the opportunity

Are you a strategic leader with deep expertise in research data governance, policy, and implementation?

We are seeking a Research Data Governance Strategist to lead the development and implementation of the University's Research Data Governance (RDG) Program, in alignment with the RDG Charter and its key scope areas.

In this role, you will translate strategic direction into practical, implementable governance frameworks, policy uplift, lifecycle models, and assurance mechanisms. You will provide expert advice to senior stakeholders and governance bodies while driving the delivery of priority initiatives, including risk-based controls, lifecycle integration, and capability uplift across the research community.

You will play a critical role in advancing the University's Digital Sydney program of work, contributing to the development of modern, secure, and scalable research data capabilities that support innovation, integrity, and world-class research outcomes.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this position offers the opportunity to shape how research data is governed, managed, and enabled across the University.

About the role

• lead delivery of research data governance workstreams, operationalising governance frameworks, lifecycle controls, and risk-based approaches to support compliance and research integrity
• develop and implement governance policies, procedures, standards, and reporting mechanisms, supporting phased delivery of RDG initiatives including policy uplift and lifecycle mapping
• provide expert advice and guidance to senior stakeholders, governance groups, and the research community on data governance obligations, risk mitigation, and best practice
• collaborate with RDG program team, research data management, integrity, ICT, privacy, cyber security, risk, library, records, and faculties to embed governance requirements into research systems, platforms, and processes
• support stakeholder engagement, capability uplift, and adoption activities including training, guidance, and enablement for researchers and HDR candidates
• contribute to program planning, business case development and implementation, resource planning, and continuous improvement, including engagement with external sector bodies and benchmarking activities

About you

• demonstrated experience in a strategy and leadership role, preferably in higher education, developing and implementing policy, governance frameworks, or research data practices
• strong understanding of research data governance, lifecycle management, compliance requirements, and regulatory environments
• demonstrated experience in project management and delivery of complex, cross-functional initiatives
• experience influencing organisational cultural change and driving adoption of new frameworks, policies, or systems
• proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with researchers and stakeholders at all levels
• strong strategic and operational planning skills, with the ability to translate strategy into practical outcomes
• well-developed negotiation, influencing, and conflict resolution skills in complex environments
• demonstrated experience in risk management, including identifying, analysing, and mitigating organisational risks
• excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with attention to detail and the ability to think holistically
• strong communication skills, with the ability to develop clear documentation, reports, and stakeholder-facing materials
• knowledge of research data reporting requirements, integrity, ethics, and the higher education regulatory landscape
• postgraduate qualifications or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline