Associate Director Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Clerk Grade: 11/12
Salary Range: $145,378 - $168,130 + superannuation
Employment Type: Ongoing, Full-time
Location: McKell, Sydney
Flexibly Work Arrangements: Hybrid
This role sits within the People & Culture Division in the People Innovation and Experience team

Are you passionate about fostering an inclusive workplace for everyone? Do you thrive in leading a team that designs initiatives that make a real impact? If so, we have an amazing opportunity for you!

About the Role

As the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Practice "Product Owner," you will lead a dynamic team of project managers and subject matter experts to deliver comprehensive DEI initiatives. From needs analysis and stakeholder co-design to strategy development, legislative action planning, and continuous improvement, you will drive the entire lifecycle of DEI initiatives. Your mission: to create an open and inclusive environment for everyone.

Key Responsibilities

• Expert Advisor: Provide expert advice on government diversity policies, identify emerging issues, and create evidence-based position papers to guide senior executives.
• Strategic Leader: Design, implement, and refine DEI strategies, roadmaps, frameworks, and programs to meet government priorities and legislative requirements.
• Governance Champion: Establish good governance practices, track progress against action plans, and continuously strive for improvement.
• Collaborative Partner: Foster relationships with employee representative groups and public sector stakeholders to promote inclusion and celebrate diversity.
• Forum Facilitator: Serve as secretariat for DEI forums, leading co-design workshops and meetings to ensure effective governance and decision-making.
• Inclusion Innovator: Embed workplace adjustments to support flexibility, trust, and psychological safety, enabling all people to thrive.
• Team Coach: Continue to build the agile capability of the team to deliver high-quality, compliant advice, policies, and services.

About the team

At DCS, we are passionate about serving our customers, the 13+ million citizens of NSW. By putting the customer at the centre of all programs and initiatives, we are transforming the way the government interacts with the people of NSW.

The People Innovation and Experience (PIE) team sits within People and Culture and works across the department on strategic initiatives whose purpose is to make a positive difference in people's work lives. You will be one of four highly impactful practice leads who reports to the Director, PIE.

So, if that resonates with you, we would love you to join us!

So Why Join Us?

• Do work that really matters: Building a safer, fairer and a productive workplace for everyone
• Supportive Culture: Be part of a team that prioritizes psychological safety, trust, and achieving high quality outcomes
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support your work-life balance
• Dynamic Environment: Work in a fast-paced, dedicated team that values a growth mindset

If you're ready to make a difference, apply now and be a part of our amazing journey.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for experience in:

• Delivering a DEI practice which takes a systems approach to strategy, programs and governance at scale
• Leading and coaching a DEI team in an agile project environment focused on quality delivery and outcomes
• Excellent stakeholder and change management skills in a changing global context
• Providing high-level advice to senior stakeholders, including recommendations for policy and program reform, where there are complex issues and multiple viewpoints
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in HR, organisation development and DEI or equivalent work experience.

What we need from you:

• Attach a cover letter that outlines why you would like to apply for this role and how you meet the success criteria (maximum 2 pages).
• Attach as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).
• Answer the two targeted questions (word limit of 250 words for each).

You must complete all three steps for your application to progress.

Targeted Question 1

Describe a time that your team encountered real resistance to the implementation of a DEI initiative or policy that surprised you. Outline what were the areas of concern or unintended consequences, how did you adapt your approach and what did you learnt from that experience that you have utilised as you have moved forward?

Targeted Question 2

Describe your most innovative DEI idea which really moved the dial in terms of outcomes? What was the opportunity / problem you were solving for, what approach did you take and how did you know it has made an impact long-term?

A talent pool will also be created from this recruitment process to fill future ongoing and temporary opportunities.

For any enquiries about the role please contact Anne-Marie Holubinskyj, Director, People, Innovation and Experience at [email protected]

Salary Grade 11/12, with the base salary for this role starting at $145,378 base plus superannuation

Click Here to access the Role Description. For enquiries relating to recruitment please contact Rashmi Sinha via [email protected].

Visit the Capability Application Tool to prepare for the recruitment process by accessing practice application and interview questions based on the focus capabilities listed in the role description.

Closing Date: Friday, May 2nd, 2025 at 10:00 am

Careers at Department of Customer Service
A career at the Department of Customer Service (DCS) gives you the opportunity to help improve government services and be part of reform that benefits people across NSW. We are focused on delivering excellent customer service, digital transformation, and regulatory reform. Come join us and influence the future of our great state.

Belong in our diverse and inclusive workplace

The strength of our workforce lies in its diversity and embracing difference, while the key to our success is leveraging the contributions of employees with different backgrounds and perspectives.

You can view our full diversity and inclusion statement here.

We want you to bring your best self to this application process. If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this selection process (including an alternate format of the application form) please contact [email protected] or 02 9494 8351.

For more information, please visit

Information on some of the different types of disabilities

Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process