Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.
- Talent Pool process for future opportunities in the Office of the Secretary!
- NSW office located in Sydney CBD with flexible working supported
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $ $149,739.00 to $173,174.00 plus super (Clerk Grade 11/12)
What’s in it for me?
Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like 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 succeed.
Working in the Office of the Secretary (OSEC) means operating at the centre of the Department’s most urgent and high‑impact priorities, where the pace is rapid and the work directly shapes outcomes for communities across NSW. OSEC supports Kiersten Fishburn, Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, to lead the state’s efforts to create vibrant and productive precincts, manage public lands and assets, and deliver more diverse and affordable housing. OSEC’s environment reflects the significance of this agenda – dynamic, demanding and meaningful.
The opportunity
We’re creating a Talent Pool for Executive Officer and Principal Departmental Liaison Officer — two senior roles that sit at the heart of how the Department connects, coordinates and delivers — one supporting the Department’s executive in one of our vast portfolios, and the other serving as the Department’s key link with the Minister’s Office.
Both roles are about making complex work easier for the people who need to make big decisions. They involve pulling together information from across the Department and the Cluster, spotting issues early, and helping leaders stay ahead of fast‑moving priorities. They also require strong judgement, clear communication and the ability to work calmly when the pressure is high or the politics are sensitive.
Candidates on this Talent Pool will help shape advice, manage emerging issues, lead cross‑agency projects, and keep governance and planning processes running smoothly. They’ll build strong relationships, coordinate high‑quality briefs and correspondence, and make sure the right people have the right information at the right time.
The Principal Departmental Liaison Officer will be based in the Sydney CBD office five days a week to support the Minister’s Office directly.
If you’re someone who can navigate competing priorities, bring clarity to complex problems, and work confidently with senior leaders and stakeholders, this Talent Pool is designed to find you.
You can read the full Role Descriptions here:
What you will bring to the role
- Confident in navigating complex organisational landscapes, drawing connections across teams and issues to provide clear, well‑reasoned advice.
- Skilled at distilling large volumes of information into concise, accurate insights that support timely decision‑making in high‑pressure environments.
- Comfortable managing sensitive or politically nuanced matters with sound judgement, discretion and a steady, solutions‑focused mindset.
- Strong relationship‑builder who can engage effectively with senior leaders, ministerial staff and diverse stakeholders to maintain trust and alignment.
- Adept at coordinating multiple moving parts, ensuring governance processes, briefings and priorities stay on track even when deadlines shift.
- Brings a proactive approach to identifying risks, emerging issues and opportunities, and takes initiative to address them before they escalate.
- Thrives in roles that require both strategic thinking and hands‑on delivery, moving seamlessly between big‑picture planning and detailed execution.
- Confident leading and guiding others, fostering a collaborative environment where high standards, continuous improvement and shared outcomes are front and centre.
Key Knowledge and Experience
- Extensive senior‑level expertise in government protocols, processes and the machinery of government, including a strong understanding of Cabinet and inter‑government procedures, the roles of Cabinet and Parliament in NSW, and the requirements for preparing ministerial correspondence, briefings, parliamentary material and speeches within the Department. Knowledge of the functions and objectives of the department.
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 Wednesday, 11 March 2026 at 11:55PM. Should you require further information about the role please contact Belinda Sheather, Manager, DLO Program on belinda.sheather@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 may 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.
Role Description
