Job Description

• Step into a pivotal role at the heart of NSW’s future - leading how we communicate our work on key priorities - delivering more homes, reforming the planning system and strengthening outcomes with Aboriginal communities
• Ongoing full-time senior executive role
• TRP from $310,886 to $348,305 including superannuation, commensurate with experience
• Based in Parramatta with flexible working supported

Lead with impact. Turn complexity into clarity, connection and purpose.

This is a rare opportunity to lead communications for one of NSW Government’s most important and visible departments - at a time when clear, trusted engagement with the community is key.

As Executive Director, Communications and Marketing, you will shape how the Department connects with the people of NSW, our stakeholders, and our partners. You will bring clarity to complexity, ensuring our work is understood, trusted and aligned with government priorities.

This is a role for a leader with presence and judgement—someone who can operate with confidence at the highest levels of government, while leading with empathy and connecting people to our purpose.

About the role

Reporting to the Deputy Secretary, Strategic Services and Advice, you will lead a large, multi-disciplinary communications function encompassing media, digital, internal communications and stakeholder engagement. You will set the vision for a modern, integrated communications approach - one that builds confidence in our work and strengthens connection across a complex organisation. Operating as a trusted advisor to the Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, Ministers and Chiefs of Staff, you will provide calm, strategic counsel on sensitive and high-profile issues.

Critically, this role comes at a time of consolidation. Following significant transformation, the focus now is on embedding consistency, capability and cohesion across the function. You will lead this next phase - bringing stability, clarity and a shared sense of purpose, while continuing to lift performance and impact.

For more information read the full Role Description: Executive Director Communications and Marketing

About You

You are an accomplished executive with the gravitas and judgement to operate at the most senior levels of government. You bring:

• Exceptional leadership – a genuine commitment to developing people, building capability, and creating alignment through clear expectations and consistent leadership
• Executive presence and influence – confidence engaging with Ministers, Chiefs of Staff and senior executives, providing trusted, balanced advice on complex issues
• Empathy and authenticity – a leadership style that brings people together, builds trust and supports teams to grow
• Strategic vision and discipline – the ability to set direction and embed a clear, consistent communications approach across a large and complex organisation
• Political and environmental awareness – a deep understanding of the public service context and the ability to navigate competing priorities with integrity and care
• Strength in complexity – resilience and composure in high-profile, high-stakes situations, with the ability to lead through challenge and ambiguity

Why this role

This is more than a communications role—it’s a leadership role with real impact.

You will:

• Shape the narrative around critical government priorities that directly affect communities across NSW
• Lead and develop a high-performing team through a period of stabilisation and growth
• Work at the highest levels of government, influencing decisions and outcomes
• Play a key role in building trust between government and the community

If you are motivated by purpose, thrive in complex environments, and are ready to lead with both strength and empathy, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

About Us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, and offers workplace adjustments.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close on Sunday 31 May 2026 at 11:55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Rose Kent, A/Senior Manager Executive Talent Acquisition via email at rose.kent@dpie.nsw.gov.au

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 3, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.