• Ongoing full-time role
• Sydney based, or able to travel to Sydney regularly to support legislation reform processes
• Senior Executive Band 1 – TRP from $247,225 per annum including super

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is looking for a Director to join the Policy, Reform and Evidence branch as Director Legislation and Reform.

We are seeking a dynamic and highly experienced leader to drive legislative reform and cross-cutting policy reform initiatives within the department across a broad range of issues including native title, primary industries, regional development and Aboriginal outcomes.

In this pivotal role, you will provide executive leadership to a specialised policy analysis and reform team, overseeing critical, high-priority policy development projects. Your responsibilities will include managing sensitive and complex reforms, while fostering strong stakeholder engagement and ensuring alignment with department and ministerial priorities.

The Director will act as a primary advisor on policy reform to the Minister, Minister’s Office, Secretary, and Executive Director of Policy, Reform & Evidence. You will be responsible for driving collaboration across the department and with other agencies, ensuring seamless coordination and facilitating the delivery of legislation to Parliament in partnership with the Minister and their Office.

If you are a proven leader with a track record in policy reform, stakeholder management, and legislative delivery, we invite you to bring your expertise to this critical role in shaping the future of our policy landscape.

To be successful you’ll need to showcase:

• Extensive experience and a proven track record, leading all aspects of policy development, with the proven ability to deliver strategic and innovative policy options.
• Demonstrated expert knowledge and experience of policy development, implementation and review processes.
• Thorough understanding and extensive practical experience in stewardship of policy proposals and legislation through parliamentary processes.
• Understanding of the regional NSW context and appreciation of the diversity of primary producers, industries and communities across regions.

Substantial practical experience leading and managing policy reform is an essential requirement of the role.

Why us?

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions. DPIRD brings together Agriculture Biosecurity; Forestry and Fishing; Local Land Services; Mining, Exploration and Geoscience; Regional Development and Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service.

We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW.

The Policy, Reform and Evidence Branch leads cross cutting policy and reform initiatives, underpinned by robust data, analysis and evidence. We work with teams across the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to protect, support and develop primary industries and regional economies by ensuring that government decisions are informed by evidence, expert advice and stakeholder views.

Sounds interesting?

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply with an (ideally no more than two pages) cover letter outlining your suitability and interest in this role, with your current resume (max. 5 pages) by 11.55pm on Sunday 6 July 2025.

For further information about the role please contact tara.black@dpird.nsw.gov.au. View the role description here.

What to expect next:
Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. The successful applicant in this role will be required to undergo reference checks, National Police Check, and a Bankruptcy Check.

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles of the same standard that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.