Senior Data Governance Officer

City of Gold Coast

Closing date
05 Jul 2026 12:00 AM
Location
Bundall/Hybrid

 About the role

As Senior Data Governance Officer, you will lead the practical design and implementation of the City's Data Governance Framework — moving from policy to practice, and from aspiration to measurable outcomes. This is a role about influence, change, and enabling people to work with data confidently and responsibly.

You will:

  • Design and embed data governance policies, standards, and procedures that are fit-for-purpose across a complex, multi-directorate organisation.
  • Establish and facilitate a Data Governance Council and data stewardship network, building the human architecture of good governance.
  • Lead metadata management, data classification, data quality frameworks, and stewardship practices in alignment with the City's Enterprise Data Platform (Microsoft Fabric/ Purview/ OneLake)
  • Ensure compliance with Queensland legislative obligations including the Public Records Act 2023, Information Privacy Act 2009, and relevant QSA Standards.
  • Promote privacy-by-design and ethical data use principles, translating regulatory obligations into practical team-level guidance.
  • Advise on AI-readiness governance — helping the organisation unlock the value of its data assets safely and responsibly.
  • Produce executive-level reporting, governance dashboards, and progress metrics for senior leadership and committee audiences.
  • Drive data literacy and governance culture uplift across the organisation through targeted engagement, training, and communications.

This is a hybrid role. You will work primarily from our Bundall Precinct offices, with flexibility to work from home on non-collaborative days. We trust our people to manage their time professionally.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

In your first 12 months, you will be recognised for:

  • Reviewing and delivering a clear, endorsed Data Governance implementation roadmap.
  • Standing up a functioning data stewardship network with active data custodians and stewards.
  • Embedding governance practices into the Enterprise Data Platform, including OneLake catalogue standards and Gold-layer data quality controls.
  • Visible executive confidence in data governance maturity and risk posture.
  • A team culture where governance is seen as an enabler — not a blocker.

We’re looking for people who have:

  • Demonstrated experience leading or driving data governance programs in a government or large enterprise environment — you have done this before, not just studied it.
  • Deep practical knowledge of data governance frameworks, methodologies, and bodies of knowledge (DAMA-DMBOK, DCAM, or equivalent).
  • Ability to engage, influence, and build trust with senior stakeholders, data custodians, and cross-functional teams — without line authority.
  • Strong understanding of Queensland (or equivalent Australian) legislative frameworks governing information and data management.
  • Comfort working in a cloud-first Microsoft ecosystem (Microsoft 365, Microsoft Fabric, Azure, Purview) — you do not need to be an engineer, but you must be able to engage credibly with platform teams.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills — you can write a committee paper and run a workshop with equal confidence.

Highly Regarded

  • Certification in data management or governance (e.g., CDMP – Certified Data Management Professional, CDGE, or equivalent).
  • Experience in local or state government information management, including records and information governance.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Purview for data cataloguing, classification, or sensitivity labelling.
  • Experience designing or implementing data quality frameworks or stewardship operating models.
  • Exposure to AI governance considerations and emerging data ethics frameworks.

Be part of shaping the Gold Coast’s future

The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity. We are the second largest Council in Australia.

We care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia. We have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance:

  • 9-day fortnight
  • Flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle, including hybrid/work from home options, flexible working hours and locations 
  • Personal and professional development courses
  • Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport
  • 4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or an immediate family member
  • 1 free nutritionist and financial advice session per year

Click here to apply or learn more

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