The Cabinet Office

Associate Director, Policy

You. At the centre of big ideas.

• Are you a natural collaborator and strategic thinker with public policy expertise?
  
• Do you enjoy working across a diverse range of emerging and dynamic strategic priorities?
  
• We're looking for experienced leaders and policy advisors to join The Cabinet Office, leading policy, strategy, and integrity advice from the heart of government
  
• Full-time Temporary, Clerk Grade 11/12 role until January 2027, based in Martin Place, Sydney CBD.

Partner with agencies across government to deliver major justice and policing policy reform including legislative reforms, youth justice, legal policy matters, and initiatives to address domestic, family and sexual violence.

About the Role
As an Associate Director, Policy, you will lead a small team delivering significant justice and community safety policy reforms within the Communities, Justice and National Security Branch of the Social Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Group.

You'll oversee complex policy initiatives across criminal and youth justice, including legislative reform and legal policy. Working closely with agencies across government, you will provide strategic advice to senior executives and the Premier on issues of state significance.

Legal qualifications and experience in criminal legislative reform or criminal justice are highly desirable.

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

About the Communities, Justice & National Security Branch
The Communities, Justice & National Security Branch covers social and justice policy portfolios including Policing, Attorney General, Family & Community Services, and the Department of Customer Service portfolios. It focuses on the strategic priorities within and across these areas to support improved social policy outcomes for communities and vulnerable people.

The Branch works alongside the Health, Education, Intergovernmental & Priorities Branch, which leads health, education, skills and early childhood policy, and supports the Premier in his role at National Cabinet. Together, these branches collaborate across government to ensure coordinated, evidence-based policy development and delivery of the Government's strategic priorities.

We're Looking For
You'll be a motivated and strategic leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about improving outcomes for the people of NSW.

• Strategic Leadership: Lead and inspire a small team to deliver complex and urgent policy reform, applying innovation, adaptability and clear direction to achieve government priorities
• Policy Expertise: Apply deep knowledge of public policy processes, research and evaluation to shape evidence-based reforms across social, justice and community issues
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships across government, industry and community sectors to influence and drive coordinated outcomes
• Communication and Influence: Demonstrate exceptional written and verbal communication skills to prepare high-quality briefs, advice and recommendations for senior leaders and decision-makers
• Critical Thinking and Analysis: Use sound judgement and analytical skills to interpret complex information, identify emerging issues and propose practical, well-reasoned solutions
• Integrity and Professionalism: Model ethical behaviour, accountability and respect, contributing to a high-performing branch that values collaboration, diversity and continuous improvement.

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: Monday, 10 November 2025 (9:59 AM)

Salary: Classification Clerk Grade 11/12. Package includes base salary ($149,739 - $173,174) plus superannuation (12%) and leave loading.

Hiring Manager: Zulpha Styer, Director, Communities & Justice on [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.