Data Risk Manager

• Employment Type: Full-time, 12-month contract role.
• Remuneration: Level 9: From $148, % superannuation + leave loading.
• Location: Kensington, NSW

About UNSW

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.  We aspire to be Australia's global university, improving and transforming lives through excellence in research, outstanding education and a commitment to advancing a just society. 

Why your role matters

The Data Risk Manager leads UNSW's enterprise-wide approach to data risk, operating with significant independence to design and oversee the frameworks, policies, and controls that protect the University's data assets. The role provides authoritative guidance to senior governance bodies, shaping institutional decision-making and embedding accountability for data resilience, compliance, and responsible data use across all faculties and divisions.

Acting as UNSW's primary expert on data risk, the position works closely with Enterprise Risk, Compliance, IT Security, Legal, and external regulators to ensure integrated, sector-leading practice in data governance. The role reports to the Program Manager and may oversee direct reports.

About the Role

The successful applicant will be required to undertake and have experience in the following areas of expertise:

• Lead UNSW's enterprise-wide data risk strategy, embedding resilience, compliance, and responsible data use across operations and culture.
• Establish and maintain frameworks, policies, and standards that set sector-leading benchmarks for data risk management.
• Provide authoritative advice and assurance to the University Executive, Council committees, and divisional leaders on high-impact data risks and compliance.
• Oversee monitoring, visibility, and escalation of significant emerging data risks, ensuring timely mitigation and governance reporting.
• Direct implementation of controls for privacy, security, data quality, and compliance in collaboration with IT Security, Legal, and Enterprise Risk.
• Manage executive-level response to major data incidents, ensuring accountability, remediation, and systemic improvements.
• Drive organisational ownership, capability building, and cultural change in data risk, representing UNSW in national and international forums.

About You

• Tertiary qualification in risk or information management, or equivalent experience.
• Extensive expertise in data governance, privacy, information security, records management, and higher education regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to design and implement enterprise-wide data risk frameworks, policies, and controls.
• Experience operationalising the Three Lines of Defence model at scale.
• Strong track record influencing executive decision-making and providing authoritative advice to governance bodies.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, driving accountability across academic and professional groups.
• Advanced analytical, assurance, and reporting skills, with expertise in risk management/audit methodologies (e.g., ISO 31000, NIST, COBIT, ISO/IEC and commitment to UNSW's objectives.

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

How to Apply: Submit your CV & cover letter detailing your interest and suitability for the job (as per the skills & experience bullet points in the Position Description) before Sunday 7 December by 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:   (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.