Information management specialist
Description
Information management is the collection and management of information from one or more sources and the distribution of that information to one or more audiences. This sometimes involves those who have a stake in, or a right to that information. Management means the organisation of and control over the structure, processing and delivery of information.
The information management specialist is responsible for liaising and consulting widely to promote and market effective corporate information and records management practices, coordinate needs and provide recommendations that align with the strategic direction for departmental corporate knowledge and records management. The information management specialist is also responsible for providing high level advice to departmental business units/locations on the management and workflows of corporate information and records in a dynamic technological environment.
This person is responsible for coordinating the evaluation, development, implementation, maintenance and review of departmental records management policies, procedures, standards, industry trends, systems and guidelines in accordance with departmental requirements. The information management specialist is also responsible for coordinating the implementation and maintenance of the departmental business classification plan, corporate thesaurus and the records retention and disposal schedule and provide advice to clients on their application.
The information management specialist will assist in the management of the evaluation, development, implementation, maintenance, review and support of the departmental electronic document and records management system(s).
The ability to adapt to changing physical environments, work with differing levels of technology and keep abreast of the latest developments and innovations in the IT field are characteristic of information management specialists.
The information management specialist will work closely with other ICT staff such as the chief information officer, chief technology officer and ICT manager.
An information management specialist exhibits a combination of capabilities from the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) and the Leadership competencies for Queensland.
SFIA profile
Within the SFIA profile, the information management specialist has level 5 capabilities, i.e. ensures and advises on the skills outlined below.
Refer to the framework for descriptions of the seven levels of responsibility and accountability.
| SFIA skill code | SFIA skill level of responsibility | SFIA skills level descriptor |
|---|---|---|---|
Information management | IRMG | 5 | Ensures implementation of information and records management policies and standard practice. Communicates the benefits and value of information management. Plans effective information storage, sharing and publishing within the organisation. Develops organisational taxonomy for information assets. Provides expert advice and guidance to enable the organisation to get maximum value from its information assets. Assesses issues that might prevent the organisation from making maximum use of its information assets. Contributes to the development of policy, standards and procedures for compliance with relevant legislation. |
Consultancy | CNSL | 5 | Takes full responsibility for understanding client requirements including data collection, analysis and resolving issues. Manages the scope and delivery of consultancy engagements to meet agreed objectives. Identifies, evaluates and recommends options. Collaborates with, and facilitates, stakeholder groups, as part of formal or informal consultancy agreements. Seeks to fully address client needs and implements solutions if required. Enhances the capabilities and effectiveness of clients by ensuring proposed solutions are fully understood and appropriately exploited. |
SFIA skillLeadership skills
Leadership competencies for Queensland describes what highly effective, everyday leadership looks like in the sector. In simple, action-oriented language, it provides a common understanding of the foundations for success across all roles. The profile describes three performance dimensions (vision, results and accountability) and 11 leadership competencies required against five leadership streams.
Leadership streams are not connected to a level or classification, but rather reflect the balance between leadership and technical skills required of an individual. Individuals can consider the value proposition of roles rather than the traditional lens of hierarchical structures or classification levels. The five leadership streams are:
- Individual contributor (Leads self and does not supervise others)
- Team leader (leads a team and typically reports to a program leader)
- Program leader (leads team leaders and/or multiple areas of work)
- Executive (leads program leaders or other executives)
- Chief executive (leads the organisation).
When developing a role description, identify the role type and then focus on the most important attributes and create a balance between SFIA skills and leadership skills.
Entry points
A degree level qualification in areas such as business or information technology is highly regarded.
Learning and development
There are several ways to develop and improve strategic business planning skills. Formal training and on-the-job experience are important ways to improve and develop the required skills.