Senior Director, Freedom of Information in Canberra

Are you an experienced leader with a passion for transparency, accountability and delivering positive outcomes for the community? Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) is seeking a Senior Director, Freedom of Information to lead a high-performing team responsible for information access and Freedom of Information (FOI) functions. Working in the FOI environment offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the issues that matter most to Canberrans. Through this work, you will help individuals access information that supports their understanding of personal experiences, community matters and issues of significant public interest, including public health, ministerial matters and public housing.

Reporting to the Executive Branch Manager, you will provide strategic leadership for a multidisciplinary, customer-focused team responsible for FOI applications, information access requests, legal advice coordination and the Open Access Information Scheme. You will oversee complex and sensitive matters, undertake the statutory role of Information Officer for the Directorate, and make decisions on FOI applications in accordance with legislative requirements. You will provide authoritative advice on legislation, legal decisions and policy, while building strong collaborative relationships across the ACT Public Service, the ACT Ombudsman’s Office and external stakeholders.

Your ability to exercise sound judgement, think strategically and communicate effectively will be essential in briefing senior executives and ministers on complex issues. This role also plays a critical part in shaping organisational capability through coaching, mentoring and succession planning. As a people leader, you will foster a positive and inclusive team culture, drive continuous improvement and ensure the delivery of high-quality services and outcomes for the ACT community. This position includes direct supervision of staff.

Health and Community Services Directorate (HCSD) is an inclusive employer where all people are respected and valued for their contribution. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, People with Disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, mature age workers and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people.

Eligibility/Other requirements: A qualification in law or relevant experience is highly desirable.

Note: This is a temporary position available immediately for a period of up to 12 months with the possibility of extension and/or permanency. A merit pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

Note: Where an offer of employment is for a fixed-term period, any related temporary contracts within the Territory will be issued in compliance with the requirements and applicable exceptions outlined in the Fair Work Act.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved.