Premier's Department/
The Cabinet Office

Associate Director, Policy

You. At the centre of big ideas.

• Lead major policy initiatives with high-level impact and visibility.
• Strategic thinker with proven leadership in complex policy delivery
• Ongoing Clerk Grade 11/12 based in Sydney. Package includes base salary ($145,378 - $168,531) plus superannuation (11.5%) and leave loading.

Lead high-impact policy projects and reforms, advising the Premier on strategic issues across government in a dynamic, high-profile environment.

About the Role

You will join our team within the Economic Policy branch in the Economic Housing and Infrastructure group.

The Associate Director will lead the delivery of complex, high-priority policy projects and reforms that directly inform government decision-making. You'll provide strategic advice to the Premier and senior executives, manage project teams, and work across agencies to shape state-significant initiatives.

Key priorities include developing policy options, reviewing Cabinet proposals, and responding to emerging issues of strategic importance in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

To learn more about the role please review the Role Description.

We're Looking For

• Proven ability to lead and manage complex policy or reform projects and multidisciplinary teams.
• Extensive experience in developing, reviewing, and evaluating complex public policy and strategic initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and provide high-quality policy advice to senior executives.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and assessing Cabinet submissions and government proposals.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement, including high-level negotiations with Ministers' Offices, agencies, and external partners.
• Ability to build and maintain senior-level relationships across government, industry, and the community.
• Track record of delivering under pressure in dynamic, high-volume environments with shifting priorities.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas clearly.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills to achieve consensus and resolve conflicts across diverse viewpoints.
• Advanced project management capabilities, including planning, risk mitigation, and delivery evaluation.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and commitment to public sector values and ethical standards.
• Experience managing and developing people, including coaching, feedback, and fostering an inclusive team culture.
• Tertiary qualifications and professional experience in economics, public policy, political science, law or related fields.

We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements
• Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert-led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities
• Work-Life Balance: Flex time accrual for extra hours worked (for non-executive roles) based on a 35-hour standard week
• Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness passport program, and wellbeing initiatives
• Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network

How to Apply

Click 'Apply Online' and submit your application including:

• A resume detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
• A cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (maximum 2 pages)

Closing date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025 (9:59 AM)

• Salary: Classification Grade 11/12. Package includes base salary ($145,378 - $168,531) plus superannuation (11.5%) and leave loading.

Hiring Manager: Simon Goodman, Director, Fiscal Policy, [email protected]

About The Cabinet Office

Leading policy, strategy and integrity from the heart of government

The Cabinet Office (TCO) enables robust Cabinet decision-making by ensuring policies and proposals submitted for consideration are of the highest quality and in line with government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at The Cabinet Office.

Our Commitment

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.

The Cabinet Office acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.

Additional Information

Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating in pre-screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at [email protected], or reaching out to the hiring manager.

Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.