• An exceptional leadership role to pioneer creation of the new Bradfield City on the doorstep of Western Sydney International Airport
• Temporary full-time role – 12 months maternity leave cover
• Based in Penrith with flexible working arrangements supported
• TRP from $225,628 - $250,574 including superannuation, commensurate with experience

Why join us:

This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to help shape Bradfield City, one of Australia’s most ambitious city‑building programs, delivering lasting social and economic outcomes for Western Sydney. You’ll work at senior levels across government and industry, leading place‑based initiatives with real scale, visibility and long‑term impact.

About the Role:

As Director, Placemaking and People, you will lead the delivery of social, cultural, creative and placemaking initiatives that help establish and activate Bradfield City, one of Australia’s most significant city‑building programs. The role shapes inclusive, distinctive and sustainable places that deliver long‑term social and economic value for Western Sydney.

You will lead a portfolio of complex projects, programs and partnerships, working collaboratively across the Bradfield Development Authority and with government, industry and community stakeholders. A key focus is best‑practice engagement with diverse communities, including First Nations peoples, multicultural communities and the creative sector, to embed culturally safe, co‑designed place outcomes.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Strategy and Development, you will provide strategic advice at executive level, lead a high‑performing specialist team, and ensure strong governance, financial management and delivery across multiple initiatives.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Director Placemaking and People

About you

You are a senior leader with demonstrated experience delivering city making or city building outcomes, particularly across social, cultural, creative or placemaking portfolios. You bring strong strategic judgement and the ability to navigate complex, high‑profile environments to achieve public value.

You excel at building trusted relationships and influencing across government, industry and community, with a proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders and communities in inclusive, culturally safe ways.

You are an accomplished people leader who inspires direction and purpose, builds capability and upholds high standards of integrity and accountability. Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline, together with experience delivering place‑based initiatives that create positive long‑term outcomes, will support your success in this role.

Essential requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in a related discipline (planning, arts, social planning, design, place making/management or a related discipline). 
• Demonstrated experience in driving the people aspects of city building and/or city making delivering positive short and long-term place-based social and economic outcomes. 

About us

This is your opportunity to join a bold, fast-paced organisation where you’ll see the tangible impact of your work, be part of a passionate and high-performing team, and leave behind a legacy that goes beyond commercial success - one that reshapes communities and redefines what’s possible for Western Sydney.

The Bradfield Development Authority (BDA) is part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI). 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.

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 Tuesday March 17th 2026, at 11:55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Alex Underwood, A/ Talent Acquisition Partner via email at alex.underwood@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.

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'.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander check out Our Mob on Country to see the work we do and get assistance in applying.