About the role

DPIRD is seeking a high‑calibre Executive Assistant to provide confidential, high‑level executive support within the Office of the Secretary.

This role supports the Secretary and the Departmental Leadership Team by managing complex diaries, coordinating meetings and documentation, and ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day operation of the office. It is a fast‑paced and trusted role, requiring exceptional judgement, discretion and the ability to work confidently with senior executives and stakeholders across government.

This opportunity will suit an experienced executive assistant who has previously supported a CEO, Executive Director or equivalent senior leader and who is comfortable handling highly sensitive and politically confidential information.

Key responsibilities 

In this role, you will:

• Provide confidential executive, secretarial and administrative support to the Secretary and Departmental Leadership Team
• Manage complex diaries, scheduling competing priorities and responding to changing demands
• Prepare, collate and coordinate briefings, correspondence, reports, agendas and presentations
• Act as the primary point of contact for the Secretary’s office, always exercising sound judgement and discretion
• Provide secretariat support for senior leadership meetings, including agenda preparation and minute taking
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders, including Ministerial offices
• Support office systems, processes and workflow to ensure efficient operations

About you

To be successful, you will bring:

• Demonstrated experience providing executive support to a CEO, Executive Director or similarly senior executive
• A strong understanding of confidentiality, discretion and handling sensitive information
• Proven ability to manage complex diaries and competing priorities in a high‑pressure environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to senior audiences
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a proactive, solutions‑focused approach
• Confidence working autonomously while collaborating effectively as part of a senior executive office

Experience working in a government or large, complex organisation will be highly regarded.

DPIRD supports flexible working and hybrid arrangements in line with business needs.
This role is based at 52 Martin Place, Sydney, with an arrangement of three days per week in the office and up to two days working from home.

Please note that the three in‑office days require flexibility and may vary from week to week depending on operational and executive requirements.

Applying is easy!

Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re our ideal candidate.

If you’d like to know more about the role, please view the  Role Description.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Angela Murphy via angela.murphy@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0417443252. 

Applications close: 11:55pm Monday, 6 April 2026

We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.    

What to Expect Next    

After applying:    

• You’ll receive a confirmation email    
• We’ll review all applications once the ad closes    
• If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)    
• Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skills test, psychometric test)    
• Reference checks will be completed for final candidates     
• The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.    
• A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.     

About us – together, we are DPIRD    

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.    

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.    

The department brings together:   

• Local Land Services   
• NSW Resources   
• Agriculture and Biosecurity   
• Fisheries and Forestry   
• Regional Development and Delivery      

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.    

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

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion    

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.    

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer    

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.