Director, Education Data Branch

Ontario Public Service Leadership | Leadership dans la fonction publique de l’Ontario; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Public Service Leadership seeks a seasoned leader to serve as Director, Education Data Branch (EDB). You will steer province-wide data collection, governance and management, partnering across government, school boards and sector bodies to improve education data quality and use for policy and student outcomes.

The role emphasizes collaboration, equity and workforce well-being within OPS. You will champion enterprise transformation initiatives and oversee the data governance program, OEN,

Qualifications

• Seasoned people leader with expertise in strategic and team leadership influencing people.
• Fostering learning, capacity building and innovation around common purpose with collaboration, equity and excellence.

Responsibilities

• lead the development and implementation the ministry's province-wide strategy for data collection and management
• establish and oversee a data governance program for the ministry
• build strategic partnerships across divisions, ministries, governments and the education sector to inform solutions aligned to education data
• collaborate with business, program and technology partners to innovate in data collection, data management and data platform development
• lead the development and implementation of branch strategic and business delivery objectives, priorities, and program plans and the review of program delivery results
• champion collaboration, engagement, equity, inclusion, accessibility, excellence and employee well-being within the branch, division and ministry

Skills

Strategic leadership

Data governance

Stakeholder management

Policy advisory

Change management

Job description

Apply By: Monday, September 14, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

Shape the future of education through data driven leadership

The Ministry of Education is seeking a seasoned people leader to serve as Director, Education Data Branch (EDB). This is a unique opportunity to lead the strategic evolution of one of Ontario's most important education data functions, ensuring the collection, governance, integration, quality, and stewardship of critical student and teacher information that informs policy, program delivery, and decision making across Ontario's education sector.

As Director, you will champion a modern vision for education data, leading enterprise-wide transformation initiatives that strengthen data governance, innovate in data collection and data management, improve data quality, and support evidence informed decisions that contribute to student success and stronger outcomes for Ontario families and communities. Working collaboratively across government, with school boards, private schools, and sector partners, you will provide strategic leadership for key provincial initiatives, including oversight of EDU's data governance program, the Ontario Education Number (OEN), student-level data collections, diploma distribution processes, and the development of innovative approaches to data management and integration.

A career in the Ontario Public Service is driven by a passion for creating a stronger Ontario.

We foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where employees have the resources and opportunities they need to be fulfilled and inspired to move Ontario forward.

OPS commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism:

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact [e-mail]. All information discussed related to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

About the job

Reporting to the Assistant Deputy Minister, you will:

• lead the development and implementation the ministry's province-wide strategy for data collection and management
• establish and oversee a data governance program for the ministry
• build strategic partnerships across divisions, ministries, governments and the education sector to inform solutions aligned to education data
• collaborate with business, program and technology partners to innovate in data collection, data management and data platform development
• lead the development and implementation of branch strategic and business delivery objectives, priorities, and program plans and the review of program delivery results
• champion collaboration, engagement, equity, inclusion, accessibility, excellence and employee well-being within the branch, division and ministry

What you bring to the team

You are seasoned people leader with expertise in:

• strategic and team leadership influencing people, promoting improved program development and delivery
• supporting learning, capacity building and innovation around common purpose, while fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, equity and excellence
• demonstrating and building resiliency and flexibility while leading and motivating high-performing teams in a fast-paced, highly visible demanding environment
• guiding teams through change, complexity and evolving strategic priorities while promoting employee wellbeing and engagement

Relationship Management and Political Acuity

You are an effective communicator, and consensus builder with proven abilities in:

• fostering collaborative internal and external relationships to promote a seamless integration of program design and service delivery
• demonstrating executive presence, influence and political acuity while delivering strategic and confidential advice to senior leaders, and when collaborating with internal and external stakeholders
• working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to advance shared priorities and manage complex issues
• managing complex, politically sensitive issues within the context of multiple interests, with high public profile and scrutiny

Job Knowledge

You are an influential program leader with proven abilities in:

• developing and implementing data governance policies and practices, data collection and data management strategies
• developing approaches to data integration and to innovating in the architecture, technology and design of approaches to data collection and data management
• strategic planning development and program performance assessment and delivery
• delivering influence and results through organizational decision-making structures and processes
• navigating fiscal and budgeting processes, as well as project management, business planning and reporting

Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives