Everyone plays here

 Drive strategy and policy direction and impact. Partner with the Sports Sector. Elevate sport and recreation outcomes across NSW.

• Ongoing, full-time Senior Executive (PSSE Band II) role based at Sydney Olympic Park, leading policy, programs and regulation to deliver safe, inclusive, accessible sport and recreation outcomes across NSW
• Lead transformative, high-profile initiatives that deliver meaningful, lasting benefits for communities across NSW
• Shape strategic direction at the executive level, bringing forward-thinking insight to influence sector-wide outcomes as part of a highly engaged and collaborative leadership team
• TRP of $312,671 up to $350,090. This is a total remuneration package inclusive of superannuation and other benefits.

About the role

As Executive Director, Policy & Planning, you will provide strategic leadership across policy, regulatory stewardship and compliance, and program design and delivery, overseeing a diverse, statewide portfolio that delivers strong participation, safety, sustainability and inclusion outcomes across the Sports sector. You will lead the development of innovative, data and evidence-based approaches, shape long-term strategic priorities, and ensure programs and policies respond to emerging community needs and sector opportunities. In this role, you play a pivotal part in shaping the future of sport and active recreation across the state and championing the value of sport in delivering positive Aboriginal outcomes.

Working as a key member of a collaborative Executive team, you will lead purpose driven teams shaping and bringing to life policies, guiding sector partnerships and infrastructure resilience, and influence cross-government collaboration and investment approaches. Through this work, you will drive system-wide outcomes, strengthen capability, and ensure strategic priorities translate into meaningful, measurable impact across the NSW sports sector and communities.

For more information read the full Role Description:   Role Description - Executive Director Policy and Planning.docx

We are also currently advertising another Executive Director opportunity.

Click here to view the job listing for the role of Executive Director Centres & Venues (PSSE Band II)

About you

Our ideal candidate will bring the following areas of strength and passion to the role:

• Strategic leadership that shapes direction, builds confidence, and drives meaningful outcomes across complex or multi-stakeholder environments.
• A strong record of influencing teams, stakeholders, and decision-makers to achieve high-impact results and deliver system-wide improvements.
• The ability to exercise innovative and sound judgement and provide authoritative, evidence-based advice on complex, sensitive, or emerging issues, navigating competing priorities with confidence.
• Understanding of public sector operations, including regulatory frameworks, cabinet processes, and budget cycles, with the ability to provide guidance and support teams to ensure compliance and sound governance
• Experience building and sustaining partnerships across government, industry, and community stakeholders to achieve collaborative, measurable outcomes.
• A track record of leading high-performing, inclusive teams, developing capability, and fostering a culture where people feel empowered, accountable, and supported to deliver results.

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. Any offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Check and Pre-Employment Health Assessment.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Director, People & Culture. Erin.torsello@sport.nsw.gov.au

About us

The Office of Sport is the lead NSW Government agency for sport and active recreation. We offer a career with purpose and work that makes a difference. Delivering on our purpose of ‘Everyone Plays Here’, we are a unique workplace, where no two days are the same!

Our work is spread across NSW, with ten Sport and Recreation Centres, four Olympic Sport Venues and offices throughout the state. We provide leadership, policies, programs, funding and infrastructure to enable participation in sport and active recreation. Our work makes a difference – improving health outcomes, connecting communities and making a stronger NSW.

Our team members are collaborative, creative, hardworking and innovative, brought together by a common goal of ensuring sport and active recreation is accessible for all people in NSW.

How to apply?

For your online application  to be considered it must include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that outlines your leadership capabilities and demonstrates how your experience will enable you to drive operational excellence and deliver statewide outcomes that make a meaningful difference for communities across NSW.
• An up-to-date resume outlining experience, skills & achievements relevant to this role (maximum 5 pages)

Applications close:  11.59pm Sunday 1 March 2026

Contact for enquiries: Director, People & Culture erin.torsello@sport.nsw.gov.au

What’s in it for you?

The Office of Sport offers you the opportunity to make a direct, shared contribution and difference to sport and recreation in NSW and have a positive impact on quality of life of our clients. We offer a family-friendly and flexible working environment, competitive salaries, and generous leave entitlements. Our benefits include salary packaging, access to the Fitness Passport and the Employee Assistance Program.

Inclusion is a huge focus for the Office, internally and externally. In addition to actively promoting employment for women, people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, we are also committed to increasing opportunities for everyone to participate in sport and active recreation. 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.

We want you to bring your best self to this recruitment process. If you feel you may require any adjustments or assistance during the recruitment process, please reach out to the Talent Acquisition Team via workforcemanagement@sport.nsw.gov.au

A talent 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.