CourseFinder logo – Australia’s leading course comparison site

How to Become a Chief Digital Officer (CDO): Australian Careers in IT

1 Course

On this page

What is a Chief Digital Officer (CDO)?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Chief Digital Officer (CDO)?

A Chief Digital Officer (CDO) leads an organisation’s shift to digital ways of working. They set the digital strategy and guide how new technology is adopted across the business. The CDO works with IT, marketing, and operations to deliver digital projects that produce real results. This is a senior leadership role that blends tech and business strategy.

CDOs work closely with the CEO and other executives to match digital goals with the organisation’s objectives. They look at how customers and staff use technology and find ways to make it better. Data analytics is central to this work. CDOs use data to guide decisions and find new growth opportunities.

The CDO also oversees data rules and monitors new technology trends. They manage budgets, lead digital teams, and keep projects on track. When new tools like AI or cloud computing become relevant, the CDO leads the review and adoption process.

A career as a CDO is hard work but highly rewarding. It suits people who love technology and want to lead change at the top level. With the right skills and experience, a CDO can shape how an entire organisation competes in a digital world.

Icon

Career snapshots For Chief Digital Officer (CDO)s

Chief Digital Officer roles fall under the ICT Managers group (ANZSCO 1351), tracked by Jobs and Skills Australia (2024). Around 95,800 ICT managers work across Australia. Annual job growth runs at 4,100 new roles per year. Demand for digital leaders is rated as very strong by the Australian Government.

Most ICT managers work full-time, with 94% in full-time roles (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024). The average full-time workweek is 44 hours. Median weekly earnings across the ICT Managers group sit at $3,310, or about $172,000 a year. CDOs at large enterprises and government agencies earn considerably more. The median age for ICT managers is 45 years.

CDO roles appear across most industries. The highest numbers are in financial services, information technology, professional services, and public administration. As Australian organisations invest in digital change, demand for skilled digital leaders keeps growing.

What will I do?

A Chief Digital Officer (CDO) leads the digital strategy and change program across an organisation. They work with every part of the business to make sure technology drives growth and improves customer experience. The role needs technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and strong people skills.

  • Develop Digital Strategy – Create and keep a digital strategy that supports the organisation’s business goals.
  • Lead Digital Change – Drive the adoption of new technologies across all teams and departments.
  • Manage Data Governance – Set rules for how data is collected, stored, and used within the organisation.
  • Improve Customer Experience – Use digital tools and platforms to improve how customers interact with the business.
  • Work With IT and Marketing – Partner with technology and marketing teams to deliver digital solutions.
  • Monitor Technology Trends – Stay current with new technologies and assess how they can help the organisation.
  • Lead Cross-Functional Teams – Run digital projects that span different departments and skill sets.
  • Measure Digital Performance – Track key metrics to assess the impact of digital work.
  • Drive Cultural Change – Build a culture of digital thinking and innovation across the whole organisation.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Chief Digital Officer needs a wide mix of tech knowledge, leadership skill, and business insight. Strong digital know-how is essential. CDOs need to know about data analytics, cloud tools, cybersecurity, and how tech trends affect their industry. They must be able to turn complex ideas into clear business decisions.

Leadership and people skills are just as important as technical ability. A CDO must lead large teams, manage change, and bring all parts of the organisation along on a digital journey. Strong communication skills help CDOs explain digital strategy to boards, investors, and frontline staff. Ongoing learning is vital too, as technology keeps changing fast.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong leadership and team management skills
  • Deep understanding of digital technologies and trends
  • Strategic thinking and long-range planning ability
  • Clear communication and stakeholder management
  • Data analysis and insight generation
  • Project management and delivery
  • Change management and cultural leadership
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity and data privacy
  • Customer-focused mindset
  • Ability to work across teams and departments
  • Adaptability to new technologies and market conditions
  • Financial acumen and budget management
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Understanding of user experience (UX) principles
  • Ability to build a culture of digital innovation

CourseFinder makes every effort to ensure the information we provide is correct at the time of publication. We welcome your input to help keep our career profiles as accurate and up to date as possible. All queries and feedback will be taken into consideration as we conduct periodic reviews of our content. Add your voice to the conversation!

Related Careers

About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.