Data Access Policy Manager
Clerk Grade: 11/12
Salary range: $149,739 - $173,174 + super
Location: McKell, hybrid working arrangements – two days per week on site.
Employment Type: Full-Time, Temporary until 30 June 2028.
About this role
The Closing the Gap Priority Reform 4 (PR4) Program, within the NSW Department of Customer Service (DCS), is currently looking for a Data Access Policy Manager to join their team!
Benefits
* Temporary clerk grade 11/12 opportunity – until 30 June 2028.
* Genuinely hybrid working arrangements – two days per week on site.
* State of the art offices.
* Wellbeing programs and resources available.
* Excellent career development and learning opportunities.
About Us
Between 2025-28 the Department of Customer Service (DCS) will work in partnership with Aboriginal Affairs (AANSW) and the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (NSW CAPO) to deliver the Closing the Gap (CtG) Priority Reform 4 (PR4) implementation actions and Aboriginal Data Sovereignty and Governance (ADS&G) reform development work program (PR4 Program). DCS will work with all NSW government agencies on key implementation actions on behalf of the partnership, to improve shared access to and shared decision-making regarding NSW Government-held data for Aboriginal communities.
Primary Purpose of the Role
The Data Access Policy Manager role will lead strategic privacy and policy reform efforts to improve shared access to government-held data for Aboriginal communities, with a strong emphasis on exploring opportunities for NSW Government agencies to maximise data sharing within current legislative parameters. The role will drive whole-of-government guidance relating to privacy and other relevant legislation from a policy perspective, to enable safe, transparent, and accountable data sharing practices that enable Priority Reform 4 priorities. The role is pivotal in ensuring legislative compliance while exploring innovative legal and policy pathways to reduce barriers to data access, enhance data relevance for Aboriginal communities and progress towards responding to the principles of Aboriginal Data Sovereignty and Governance in NSW.
The Data Access Policy Manager will contribute to the delivery of the NSW PR4 in ways that align with Aboriginal communities' needs and priorities to achieve NSW Government commitments of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and undertake research, analysis, and review of complex policy and legislative reforms related to data sharing, privacy, and Aboriginal governance.
* Interpret existing legislation and privacy frameworks to develop evidence-based guidance that support improved data access and transparency for Aboriginal communities.
* Provide expert and timely policy advice to senior leaders, general councils and stakeholders to inform strategic directions and reform priorities.
* Collaborate with General Counsel and legal teams across multiple agencies to ensure policy alignment, legal consistency, and sector-wide coordination.
* Lead and manage a team to effectively implement PR4 initiatives using best practice methodologies and ensure timely delivery to expected standards.
* Contribute to monitoring and evaluation strategies to assess policy effectiveness, resolve legal and policy barriers to data access, and identify program risks.
* Prepare high-quality reports, briefs, and correspondence to inform government decision-making and respond to agency and ministerial requests.
* Maintain awareness of legislative obligations, privacy policy developments, and emerging state, national and international trends to inform innovative and compliant approaches to shared data access for Aboriginal communities.
About You
You bring a deep understanding of privacy legislation, legal reform processes, and data governance. You are passionate about enabling ethical, innovative, and transparent data sharing, particularly in partnership with Aboriginal communities. You have:
* Proven experience in legal or policy reform, ideally in data sharing, privacy, or digital strategy contexts.
* Strong knowledge of privacy legislation and legal compliance frameworks.
* Exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills to identify risks, develop options, and deliver reform outcomes.
* Demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate legal and policy complexity into actionable strategies and advice for both government and community partners.
* Commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement in public sector reform, in particular to progress the operationalisation of Aboriginal Data Sovereignty and Governance principles in NSW.
We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply.
If you want to be part of this forward thinking and innovative team that thrives in challenging the status quo to support Aboriginal communities have improved access to data, we would love to hear from you!
What we need from you:
To start your journey towards becoming our Data Access Policy Manager, please click on the link below and attach your resume (max 5 pages) and cover letter (max 2 pages).
In your cover letter, please share your motivation for applying for this position and your relevant skills.
Please include a response to the targeted questions below. Please ensure that your response is not more than 600 words.
Targeted Questions:
* Describe a time when you needed to develop guidance for an area where there was no precedent or limited supporting evidence. How did you approach the problem and what was the outcome?
* Describe a situation where you needed to reconcile conflicting stakeholder perspectives to arrive at a policy decision. What was your approach and what would you do differently next time?
For any enquiries about the role please contact Rodrigo Sandoval, Advisor Talent Acquisition,
Salary Grade 11/12, with the base salary for this role starting at $149739 base plus superannuation
Click Here to access the Role Description. For enquiries relating to recruitment please contact Rodrigo Sandoval via .
Visit the Capability Application Tool to prepare for the recruitment process by accessing practice application and interview questions based on the focus capabilities listed in the role description.
Closing Date: Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at 10:00 am
Careers at Department of Customer Service
A career at the Department of Customer Service (DCS) gives you the opportunity to help improve government services and be part of reform that benefits people across NSW. We are focused on delivering excellent customer service, digital transformation, and regulatory reform. Come join us and influence the future of our great state.
Belong in our diverse and inclusive workplace
The strength of our workforce lies in its diversity and embracing difference, while the key to our success is leveraging the contributions of employees with different backgrounds and perspectives.
You can view our full diversity and inclusion statement here.
We want you to bring your best self to this application process. If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this selection process (including an alternate format of the application form) please contact or 02 9494 8351.
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