Director - Design and Governance

Defence Housing Australia; Australia; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Superannuation 15.4%

Flexible working options

Generous leave entitlements

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Defence Housing Australia is seeking a Director, Design and Governance (EL2) within the Business Solutions & Technology Branch. You will lead enterprise architecture, technology design, data governance and records management, shaping DHA’s technology direction and governance framework.

You’ll collaborate with senior stakeholders, provide trusted advice, and drive outcomes aligned with DHA priorities. The role may be ongoing or 12-month non-ongoing, with extension possibilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in enterprise architecture and governance.
• Strategic leadership experience.
• Ability to engage senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise architecture & technology design.
• Oversee data governance and records management.
• Shape DHA’s governance and technology strategy.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Provide trusted advice to enable decisions.
• Manage a team of specialist staff.

Skills

Enterprise architecture

Technology design

Data governance

Records management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Job description

Lead, innovate and make an impact as DHA’s Director, Design and Governance within our Business Solutions & Technology Branch.

About us

DHA was established in 1988 following passage of the Defence Housing Australia Act 1987 (DHA Act) to provide adequate and suitable housing for, and housing related services to, members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families. We remain committed to our purpose of providing housing, and housing related services, to ADF members and their families to support Defence’s operational needs.

DHA manages an expanding portfolio of housing solutions and provides housing for over 17,200 ADF members and their families and administers rent allowance for more than 16,000 ADF members and their families in private rental accommodation. DHA provides housing related services advising on eligibility, providing posting support, and managing bookings and allocation services for all DHA provisioned housing and on-base accommodation to approximately 60,000 ADF members.

To find out more about DHA, please refer to our website or read our latest Annual Report.

The key duties of the position include:

About your team

Business Solutions & Technology (BS&T) Branch leads the strategy, delivery, operation and governance of DHA’s technology, digital and data environment. The Branch provides secure, reliable and contemporary technology services spanning IT operations and cyber security, business applications and integration, data and AI, technology architecture and governance, and technology-enabled programs and improvement.

BS&T enables DHA’s day-to-day operations while working with the business to improve services, modernise technology and deliver digital innovation. Through effective governance, trusted technology and strong business partnerships, the Branch supports DHA to operate efficiently, manage technology risk and deliver better outcomes for its customers.

The Design and Governance Directorate provides business analysis, architecture, data governance, and records and information management capabilities across DHA. It establishes standards, frameworks and assurance to support well-governed technology delivery and effective management of data, records and information. Working across BS&T and the broader organisation, the Directorate supports informed decision-making, strengthens compliance, and ensures technology solutions and information assets align with business needs, organisational priorities and regulatory obligations.

About the role

We’re seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join DHA as Director, Design and Governance (EL2) within Business Solutions & Technology Branch.

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer, you’ll lead key enterprise capabilities spanning enterprise architecture and technology design, business analysis, data governance, and records and information management. You’ll play a significant role in shaping DHA’s technology direction, strengthening governance and turning strategy into practical outcomes that support the organisation’s priorities.

We’re looking for a collaborative and influential leader with strong strategic judgement and experience leading specialist teams. You’ll confidently navigate complex technology and governance matters, build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, and provide clear, trusted advice that enables informed decision-making and delivers meaningful outcomes.

This opportunity may be offered on an Ongoing basis or as a Non-ongoing engagement for a period of up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension or permanency.

Eligibility

Employment with DHA is conditional on successful applicants demonstrating that they are an Australian citizen, meeting the required medical standards, and obtaining and maintaining a security clearance at the required level.

Benefits for working at DHA include:

• 15.4% superannuation
• Generous leave entitlements, including 18 days personal leave and 20 days annual leave per year
• Work-life balance and flexible working options
• A positive workplace culture where you can bring your whole self to work
• Opportunities to broaden your industry knowledge and experience
• Career progression and opportunities
• A dedicated Employee Assistance Program for you and your family to access in times of need
• ADF partner employment conditions when posting to a new location

For information on DHA’s Employee Value Proposition, visit our website.

Applications close: 11:55pm AEST 26 November 2026.

Any questions? Please contact Bonnie Sie – Technology Group Business Manager

02 6270 6*** / **********@dha.gov.au

Order of Merit

A merit pool will be established from this process which will be valid for 18 months from the date of advertising. This merit pool may be used throughout this period to fill similar positions in the event positions become vacant.

Inclusion and Diversity

DHA is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from across our community including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, ex-defence members, mature-aged employees and carers.

Getting to know the Defence Housing Australia

At Defence Housing Australia, we provide quality housing and related services to Defence members and families. In doing this, we support the operational, recruitment and retention goals of the Department of Defence. To meet our Defence housing obligations, we are active in Australian residential housing markets, acquiring and developing land, and constructing and purchasing houses. Our staff are located in 19 offices in regional centres and nearby Defence outposts throughout Australia.