Chief Data Officer

The Chief Data Officer will spearhead the development and institutionalization of the National Data Strategy, ensuring robust data governance capabilities that promote secure, responsible, and effective data use. This role involves establishing practical stewardship arrangements across various institutions while respecting the ongoing control and responsibilities of designated data custodians. The successful candidate will work closely with multiple stakeholders to drive data policy, standards, and adoption, fostering a culture of data excellence and interoperability.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the National Data Strategy and associated governance frameworks by translating strategic priorities into actionable policies, standards, and implementation plans.
- Define clear data ownership and stewardship frameworks, including classification, quality, metadata, lineage, retention, and lifecycle standards, with well-defined responsibilities and assurance mechanisms.
- Coordinate efforts among ministries, provinces, regulators, and data custodians to facilitate secure data sharing and address barriers to interoperability and adoption.
- Collaborate with DPI and Technology leaders to define data exchange requirements, reference architectures, and shared registries, maintaining a strong focus on governance and stewardship.
- Develop proposals related to open data initiatives, controlled access, sensitive data handling, and cross-border data arrangements in partnership with Legal, Security, and other relevant authorities, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.
- Partner with the AI Office to ensure data readiness, provenance, quality, and appropriate use of datasets supporting AI systems.
- Build and lead the Data Governance team, enhancing institutional capabilities through maturity assessments, adoption metrics, and regular reporting on data quality and governance risks.

Required Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Public Policy, or a related field is required. A relevant Master’s degree is preferred. All qualifications must meet the applicable recognition and equivalence standards set by the PDA.

Essential Experience

- A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in data governance, architecture, strategy, or transformation, including senior leadership roles.
- Proven track record of establishing and embedding data governance frameworks across multiple business units, institutions, or jurisdictions, resulting in measurable improvements in data quality, sharing, or utilization.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and advising executive leadership on data policy, investment decisions, privacy considerations, and operational trade-offs.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience leading complex data governance or transformation projects within consulting, professional services, or technology advisory environments is highly desirable. Equivalent leadership experience in public institutions, technology companies, regulated organizations, or specialist firms will also be considered. Familiarity with public-sector data stewardship, federated data exchange, and the application of international data governance standards is advantageous.

Key Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in data strategy and governance, stewardship, interoperability, privacy-aware design, institutional negotiation, change leadership, and executive judgment.

Applications will be accepted for 15 days from the date of publication, but the authority reserves the right to continue reviewing applications until the position is filled.