• Employment Type: Full-time, continuing
• Remuneration: Competitive salary package
• Location: Kensington, NSW (Hybrid working model – based on-site primarily in Sydney. Remote working not available for this role)

About UNSW

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re one of the top 20 universities in the world (QS top 20) and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight. If you want a career where you can thrive, be challenged and do meaningful work, you’re in the right place.

Why your role matters

The Enterprise Data Risk Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of data risk at UNSW. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to define and drive the University’s enterprise-wide approach to protecting, governing, and responsibly using data across one of Australia’s leading institutions.

Operating with significant autonomy and influence, the role will lead the frameworks, policies, controls, and assurance practices that safeguard UNSW’s data assets and ensure resilience, compliance, and trust across faculties, divisions, and professional services. As UNSW’s principal authority on data risk, the role will provide strategic advice to senior leaders and help position UNSW as a sector leader in responsible data stewardship.

About you

This role will suit a strategic and influential data risk leader who can operate with authority in complex environments, drive enterprise-wide change, and embed a culture of accountability, resilience, compliance, and responsible data stewardship across UNSW. You must also have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in risk management, information management, or equivalent, with extensive relevant experience or equivalent competence gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Extensive experience in data governance, privacy, information security, records management, and regulatory frameworks relevant to higher education.
• Proven ability to design and implement enterprise-wide data risk frameworks, policies, and controls, embedding them sustainably into operations and culture.
• Demonstrated ability to operationalise the Three Lines of Defence model at enterprise scale.
• Strong track record of influencing executive decision-making and providing authoritative advice to governance bodies.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with proven ability to build trust and drive accountability across diverse academic and professional groups.
• Strong analytical, assurance, and reporting skills, with ability to translate risk insights into actionable recommendations for executives and governance forums.
• Significant background in risk management and/or audit, with expertise in recognised methodologies (e.g. ISO 31000, NIST, COBIT, ISO/IEC 27001).

For further information on the role & responsibilities, please refer to the Position Description

How to Apply: Applicants are asked to provide a CV and cover letter addressing the pertinent points of the Position Description. The application process will close on Sunday 12 July at 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)

Job queries contact: Tai James, Talent Acquisition Consultant

E: tai.james@unsw.edu.au  (applications to the address cannot be accepted, please apply online)

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.