"Senior Data Governance Manager"

Senior Data Governance Manager

Job no: 538517
Work type: Full Time
Location: Sydney, NSW
Categories: Information Technology

• Employment Type: Full-time, 12-month Fixed Term contract.
• Remuneration: Level 9 – from $148,012 plus 17% superannuation and leave loading
• 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 Senior Data Governance Manager is a leadership role within the Enterprise Data Office responsible for the design, execution, and advancement of UNSW’s Data Governance Framework. Reporting directly to the Head of Data Governance and serving as their deputy, the position provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure university data is managed as a trusted asset. The role collaborates across faculties and divisions to establish sustainable governance practices, enhance organizational data maturity, and cultivate institutional accountability.

This position has no direct reports.

About the Role

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

• Support the Head of Data Governance in defining and executing the university’s data strategy, acting as deputy in key governance forums and decision-making processes.
• Define the data ownership model, data retention and data sharing experience.
• Own the creation, enforcement, and continuous improvement of governance policies, standards, and operating models aligned with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Privacy, Legal, Compliance, and AI teams to lead complex, university-wide initiatives and embed the governance framework across all divisions.
• Develop and maintain critical metadata assets, including business glossaries and data dictionaries, to ensure a consistent understanding and use of data across the institution.
• Lead organizational data literacy by designing and delivering training, toolkits, and communications to strengthen governance practices and accountability.
• Ensure adherence to legal and institutional obligations (e.g., Privacy Act, GDPR, TEQSA) while monitoring maturity metrics and emerging sector trends.
• Provide expert guidance on governance principles, exercising independent judgment to resolve stakeholder conflicts and prioritize responses to emerging data risks.

About You

• Relevant tertiary qualification in a related field combined with extensive experience in data governance, data quality, and metadata management.
• Expert knowledge of data governance framework components and industry best practices.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing frameworks based on DAMA and EDM Council’s DCAM principles, with CDMP or DCAM certifications preferred.
• Advanced policy writing and documentation skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Visio to align with organizational frameworks.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders and manage competing priorities using sound judgment and initiative.
• High analytical capability and attention to detail for problem-solving, reporting, compliance, and utilizing tools such as Collibra, Informatica, or Alation.
• Demonstrated commitment to institutional aims and values, with the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment and a preference for higher education sector familiarity.

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 5th 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.

Position Description