Job Description

The Cabinet Office

Associate Director, Policy

You. At the centre of big ideas.

• Lead major planning and housing reforms shaping outcomes across NSW.
  
• Bring strategic policy expertise, stakeholder influence and leadership.
  
• Ongoing, Clerk Grade 11/12 ($154,231 - $178,369 per annum) opportunity based in Martin Place, Sydney CBD.

Lead high-profile planning and housing policy reform projects and provide strategic advice on priorities shaping NSW's future.

About the Role

As an Associate Director, Policy, you will lead the development of strategic policy and oversee complex projects that shape the future of planning and housing in NSW. You will provide high-level, evidence-based advice to the Premier and Executive, anticipate emerging issues, and drive major reforms that deliver tangible outcomes for communities.

Working within the Planning & Housing Branch in the Economic, Housing & Infrastructure Policy (EHIP) Group, you will collaborate across agencies and stakeholders to influence decisions that matter. Expect to lead innovative policy solutions, manage priority projects, and contribute to shaping long-term strategies for housing and planning in NSW.

In this role, candidates should expect to:

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic housing and planning reforms, providing high-quality policy advice to support Government priorities and improve housing supply, affordability and planning outcomes.
  
• Lead and develop staff and project teams, fostering a high-performing culture and ensuring the delivery of high-quality analysis, advice and project outcomes.
  
• Build and maintain effective relationships with Ministers' Offices, government agencies, industry and community stakeholders to influence outcomes, facilitate consultation and support reform delivery.
  
• Monitor emerging housing, planning and economic trends, identifying risks, opportunities and innovative approaches to inform Government decision-making and long-term policy development.
  

To learn more about the role, please review the

We're Looking For

• Experience leading complex policy development, reform programs or major cross-government initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
  
• Strong project leadership skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, navigate sensitive issues and deliver quality outcomes.
  
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams while delivering results through others.
  
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to provide clear, evidence-based advice on complex issues.
  
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes across government, industry and community stakeholders.

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, 24 August 2026 (9:59 AM)

Salary: Classification Clerk Grade 11/12. Package includes base salary ($154,231 - $178,369) plus superannuation (12%)and leave loading.

Hiring Manager: Joseph Edwards, Director, Planning and Housing on joseph.edwards@tco.nsw.gov.au

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 PCT@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au, 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.