Join to apply for the Director, Strategic Data Initiatives role at Department for Education, South Australia. Bring your brilliance to the Department for Education as our new Director, Strategic Data Initiatives. This is a pivotal leadership role at the centre of strategy, schools, and systemic improvement.
You'll lead major data initiatives that directly empower schools and preschools to leverage insights for improvement, while feeding grassroots intelligence back into the system to strengthen public education statewide.
Why Work With Us
Every child and young person deserves a great education. We have a strategy that aims to unlock every child’s potential now and into the future, one that in partnership with learners, students, parents, and the wider South Australian community will build a world‑leading public education system. One that is equitable and prioritises learning and wellbeing. Together we will make our education system the best it can be. When our children and young people thrive, so do our communities and our state.
About The Role
The Director, Strategic Data Initiatives leads major strategic data initiatives led by the Strategy and Performance division, playing the critical role of working with schools and preschools to leverage data insights for improvement, and providing school and preschool insights back into the system for systemic improvement of public education.
Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategy and Performance, the role develops and coordinates strategic advice and policy input requested from Strategy and Performance for the Executive Director. They will also work closely with schools and preschools to lead the development and implementation of the Department’s Data Capability Strategy and provide tools, advice and practical supports for schools and preschools to become evidence informed and strategically aligned to the needs of their community, through data driven approaches.
About The Team
The Strategy and Performance Division works across the Department for Education to facilitate best practice strategy and policy development and coordinate a strategic approach to stakeholder engagement, media and communications. The Division positions public education for success, manages strategic risks, provides insights and supports schools and preschools to succeed in the eyes of their communities.
The Strategic Data Initiatives directorate leads key departmental strategic initiatives that Strategy and Performance has ownership of, including primary responsibility for wellbeing data collection and analysis, data capability, and data literacy initiatives. The team also coordinates Strategy and Performance’s participation in national projects, research activities, and priority reforms, provides project management support to the division, and leads the division’s policy function.
About You
* Proven leader who builds high‑performing teams and drives continuous improvement through strategic, values‑based management.
* Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills with demonstrated success achieving change through collaboration and influence.
* High‑level political acumen and understanding of State and Commonwealth government landscapes.
* Track record in business strategy, transformation, and delivering strategic operational advice.
* Passionate about developing staff while maintaining accountability and performance standards.
* Excellent communication, analytical, and research skills with ability to synthesize complex information.
* Flexible, resilient, and politically astute with strong critical thinking abilities.
Essential Qualifications And Competencies
* Experience leading in a large and complex organisation at a senior level, ensuring the translation of priorities into executed deliverables.
* You must have, or be able to obtain, a Department for Human Resources issued Working With Children Check.
What You Will Get In Return
* A three‑year executive contract.
* Lead strategy and business outcomes within one of SA’s biggest departments.
* Be a part of a forward‑thinking and dynamic team and enjoy a supportive and collaborative work environment.
Special Conditions
The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry. The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN –EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course which will be required to be updated every three years.
For all other Special Conditions please refer to the attached Position Description.
Application Instructions
Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter, outlining their suitability against the position description.
People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.
Additional Note
This is a full‑time contract role (1.0 FTE), initial 3‑year contract.
Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part‑time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.
Seniority Level
* Director
Employment Type
* Full‑time
Job Function
* Business Development and Strategy/Planning
Industries
* Government Administration and Education
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