Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• A senior design leadership role focused on advancing design quality across NSW—through expert advice, policy influence, research and collaboration with government, industry, academia and community.
• This Talent Pool is being created for future Ongoing or Temporary roles that may arise over the next 18 months.
• Office location based in Parramatta with flexible working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $138,539 to $148,283 + super

What’s in it for me?

You’ll be part of a highly collaborative, design-driven team that values ideas, rigour and impact. We support flexible ways of working, meaningful and varied projects, and a sustainable approach to work and wellbeing—including flex leave and access to support programs. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to do their best work.

The role

 The role focusses on lifting the quality, ambition and consistency of design outcomes across NSW by offering clear, expert advice on projects and policies and helping shape guidance that strengthens design outcomes.

The role combines strategic thinking with hands-on work: undertaking and commissioning research, building productive partnerships with industry and academia, and managing external contributors to ensure design-led, evidence-based thinking informs decision-making at every scale.

Day to day, the work calls for sound judgement, independence and collaboration in equal measure. You’ll stay closely connected to contemporary design practice, navigate complex and sensitive issues with discretion, and confidently advocate for the value of good design among diverse stakeholders and competing priorities to positively influence project outcomes.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Senior Design Advisor DAS

What you will bring to the role

•  Strong capability in providing expert, timely and well‑reasoned design advice across complex projects, supported by up‑to‑date knowledge of contemporary design practice.
• Experience monitoring and analysing projects or programs, with the ability to assess alignment with established design approaches and emerging priorities.
• Proven skills in developing policy, guidance material and written reports, alongside the ability to undertake applied and desktop research that informs evidence‑based best practice.
• Confident stakeholder engagement skills, including building collaborative relationships across government, industry, academia and professional bodies to support design‑led processes.
• Demonstrated experience managing external consultants and project partners within procurement frameworks, while exercising sound judgement, discretion and independence in a dynamic environment.

What is an essential requirement:

• Tertiary qualifications in Architecture, Urban Design, Sustainability and / or Landscape Architecture or other relevant discipline.
• Registration, or eligibility to be registered with, NSW Architects’ Registration Board (ARB), Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) or Urban Design Association (UDA)

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, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

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 Thursday 26 February 2026 (11:55PM)

Should you require further information about the role please contact Claire Krelle, Principal Design & Research on claire.krelle@dpie.nsw.gov.au

To enhance your account security, PageUp is introducing two-factor authentication (2FA). You can follow the step by step guide here. If you experience any issues please reach out on (02) 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1.

A talent pool will 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. 

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 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.