Chief Data Officer

About the role

The Chief Data Officer leads the development and institutionalisation of the National Data Strategy and data governance capabilities, supporting the secure, responsible and effective use of data. The role builds practical stewardship arrangements across institutions while recognising the continuing control and responsibilities of designated data custodians.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the National Data Strategy and related governance frameworks, turning priorities into implementable policies, standards and adoption plans.
• Define data ownership and stewardship arrangements, classification, quality, metadata, lineage, retention and lifecycle standards, with clear responsibilities and assurance measures.
• Coordinate with ministries, provinces, regulators and data custodians to enable secure data sharing and resolve barriers to interoperability and adoption.
• Work with DPI and Technology leaders on data exchange requirements, reference architectures and shared registries, keeping governance and stewardship central.
• Develop proposals for open data, controlled access, sensitive data handling and cross-border arrangements with Legal, Security and relevant authorities.
• Partner with the AI Office on data readiness, provenance, quality and appropriate use of datasets supporting AI systems.
• Build the data governance team and capability, set up maturity assessments, adoption measures and reporting on data quality and governance risks.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Public Policy or a related discipline; a relevant master's degree is preferred, and qualifications must meet the PDA's recognition and equivalence requirements.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience in data governance, architecture, strategy or transformation, including senior leadership responsibility.
• Evidence of embedding data governance across multiple business units, institutions or jurisdictions, with measurable improvements in data quality, sharing or use.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and advising executives on data policy, investment, privacy and operational trade-offs.
• Desirable: leadership of complex data governance or transformation engagements in consulting, professional services or technology advisory, or equivalent leadership in public institutions, technology companies, regulated organisations or specialist firms; public-sector data stewardship, federated data exchange and international data governance practices are advantageous.

Required skills

• Data strategy and governance
• Data stewardship and interoperability
• Privacy-aware design
• Institutional negotiation and change leadership
• Executive judgement