Executive Director, AI, Data & Digital Policy

The Cabinet Office; New South Wales; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working

Career Development

Wellbeing Support

Inclusive Culture

Job summary

The Cabinet Office is seeking an experienced Executive Director to lead the new AI, Data and Digital Policy Branch, including the Office of Artificial Intelligence. You will set strategic policy direction, establish the policy function at the heart of government, and build partnerships across government, industry and academia.

You will oversee a multidisciplinary team, provide authoritative advice to government, and navigate complex policy, regulatory and governance issues related to AI, data

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience delivering cross-government policy, strategy or reform in fast-moving or contested environments.
• Deep knowledge of AI, data and digital policy landscape and ability to assess technical claims.
• Ability to establish or transform a function and deliver through others.
• Credibility to advise senior leaders on politically sensitive issues and build support.

Responsibilities

• Lead the AI, Data and Digital Policy Branch, including the Office of Artificial Intelligence.
• Shape NSW Government policy on AI and advise on issues affecting people, businesses and services.
• Build a multidisciplinary team and establish a new policy function at the heart of government.

Skills

Strategic leadership

AI/data/digital expertise

Institution building

Influence/judgement

Government machinery knowledge

People leadership

Job description

The Cabinet Office Executive Director, AI, Data & Digital Policy Leading Strategy, Policy and Integrity from the Heart of Government

• Shape the NSW Government’s public policy on AI, including advising the Government on AI issues affecting the people of NSW, businesses, the economy, and service delivery.
• Provide executive leadership to the AI, Data and Digital Policy Branch, including the Government’s strategic foresight function.
• Ongoing Senior Executive Band 2 opportunity with The Cabinet Office, based in Martin Place, Sydney

About the Role

The Cabinet Office is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Executive Director to lead its new AI, Data and Digital Policy Branch, including the Office of Artificial Intelligence. This is a rare opportunity to shape how the NSW Government responds to technologies transforming society, the economy, and public services. AI, data and digital technologies are rapidly changing how governments make decisions, deliver services and support jobs and economic growth. Navigating this change requires clear policy direction that supports innovation, manages risk and builds public trust. As Executive Director, you will set the strategic direction for the AI, Data and Digital Branch and establish the Office of Artificial Intelligence, defining a new policy function at the heart of government. You will provide authoritative advice to government, shape NSW’s position on critical policy issues and build influential partnerships across government, industry, academia and unions. You will be responsible for building a multidisciplinary team and a new AI policy function from the ground up. The remit spans AI policy, regulation and emerging risks, alongside data governance and digital transformation. It also covers inclusion, productivity and digital sovereignty while considering the impact of technological change on citizens, businesses, public institutions and services across NSW. The role calls for a leader who can bring clarity to complexity, build momentum across government and harness the opportunities of emerging technology in the public interest.

We're Looking For

• Strategic leadership: Extensive senior leadership experience delivering complex, cross-government policy, strategy or reform in novel, fast-moving or contested environments.
• AI, data and digital expertise: Deep knowledge of the policy landscape and the judgement to test technical and commercial claims, distinguish real change from hype and communicate uncertainty credibly.
• Institution building: A demonstrated ability to establish or transform a function, build multidisciplinary capability and deliver through others.
• Influence and judgement: The credibility to advise senior leaders, navigate politically sensitive issues and build support where interests, evidence and risk appetites differ.
• Knowledge of government machinery: Understanding of Cabinet, parliamentary, legislative, budget and governance environments, or the capacity to master them rapidly.
• People leadership: An inclusive, adaptable leader who sets a clear direction, develops others and creates a culture of integrity, trust, service and accountability.

You do not need to come from one particular professional background. We are interested in leaders who combine public policy skills with technological capability and can bring together diverse expertise to solve difficult problems.

Security clearance : The successful applicant will be required to undertake pre-employment checks and obtain and maintain an Australian Government national security clearance. To be eligible for a national security clearance, an individual must be an Australian citizen and have a checkable background. Further information is available from the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements
• Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert-led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities
• Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness passport program, and wellbeing initiatives
• Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network

Closing date: Monday, 16 November 2026 (11:59PM)

Salary: Senior Executive Band 2. Total remuneration package will be negotiated upon offer.

About The Cabinet Office Leading Strategy, Policy and Integrity from the Heart of Government

The Cabinet Office supports the Premier and Cabinet in their roles as decision-makers with expert policy advice informed by data, evidence, consultation and a focus on the bigger picture.

Learn more about The Cabinet Office and a career at The Cabinet Office.

Our Commitment

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.

The Cabinet Office acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.

Reasonable Adjustments

The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating this in the pre-screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at [e-mail] or contacting the hiring manager.

Talent Pool

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.