Principal Data Analyst – Innovation Division | Evaluation and Insights Queensland’s innovation ecosystem is evolving rapidly. We are seeking a Principal Data Analyst to turn complex data into system‑level insight that informs policy, investment and innovation‑led economic growth. In this senior role, you will lead advanced analytics, integrate diverse datasets, and strengthen evaluation, governance and reporting frameworks that support evidence based decision‑making across government. You will design and improve whole‑of‑initiative data collection and reporting, automate and enhance systems, analyse complex datasets, and translate findings into clear dashboards and advice for senior decision‑makers. Working collaboratively across agencies, industry and the community, you will ensure insights are timely, ethical and decision‑ready.

Job details

Principal Data Analyst
Innovation Division | Evaluation and Insights
Queensland's innovation ecosystem is evolving rapidly—and strong, system‑level evidence is essential to shaping what comes next. We are seeking a Principal Data Analyst to play a critical role in transforming complex data into insight that informs policy, investment and innovation‑led economic growth across Queensland. This is a senior analytical role for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy, data and impact. You will lead advanced analytics, integrate diverse datasets, and strengthen evaluation, governance and reporting frameworks that support evidence‑based decision‑making across government.

The role
You will provide strategic, system‑level insights that help government understand what's working, what's not, and where to invest next. Working within the Evaluation and Insights team in the Innovation Division, you will operate in a dynamic environment shaped by rapid technological change, supporting accountability and performance through robust analysis and evaluation. You will collaborate across agencies, industry, business and the community to deliver insights that contribute to improved economic and social outcomes for Queensland.

In this role, you will:
Lead the design, delivery and continuous improvement of whole‑of‑initiative innovation data collection, integration and reporting processes.
Analyse and interpret complex datasets to generate system‑level insights and evaluation findings relevant to Queensland's innovation ecosystem. Drive projects to review, automate and enhance data collection and reporting systems.
Identify, source and integrate diverse datasets, including administrative, commercial and public data, to support trend, impact and performance analysis. Translate complex analysis into clear, compelling dashboards, reports and advice for senior decision‑makers, responding to both regular and ad‑hoc data requests. Champion best practice in data governance, quality assurance and ethical data use,
ensuring alignment with Queensland Government standards and open data principles.
Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams, external stakeholders and cross‑agency partners to ensure insights are timely, accurate and decision‑ready.
Promote a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace that supports positive outcomes for First Nations people and all Queenslanders.

What we're looking for
Deep analytical capability with strategic thinking and influence. A strong track record in designing and implementing data analytics approaches that support strategic goals.
The ability to lead change in complex, fast‑moving environments, adapting your approach and delivering innovative solutions. High‑level expertise in data analysis, systems and tools such as Microsoft Excel and Power BI to address complex reporting and insight challenges.
A strong focus on results, accountability and quality, with confidence operating at system level.

Highly regarded (but not mandatory)
The following skills and experience will be highly regarded:
Coding capability in R and/or Python.
Accreditation or experience as an Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) DataLab Safe Researcher.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to communicate complex information clearly. Proven collaboration skills, sound planning and organisational capability, and experience delivering projects under tight deadlines.

Applications will remain current for 12 months.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

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Documents

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• 681270 26 Role Description (Word, 610KB)
  Role Description