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

• Aboriginal Identified Role
• Drive policy reform and influence outcomes for Aboriginal communities
• Temporary (Up to 30^th January 2026) full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity with strong intention to extend
• Office location – Parramatta/Newcastle preferred, other NSW office locations negotiable (2-3 office days per week)
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $145,378.00 - $168,130.00 + Super

 
What’s in it for me?
Join our team for a deadly 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. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

This is an Aboriginal Identified role where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977). 

The role
We’re on the lookout for a Principal Policy Manager who can shape and deliver high-impact cultural policies and frameworks that make a real difference. In this role, you'll lead the development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of Aboriginal cultural capability policies across the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. Your work will ensure our strategies are evidence-based, culturally safe, and responsive to the voices of Aboriginal peoples, communities and entities.

You'll face the exciting challenge of navigating complex policy environments, managing diverse stakeholder needs, and driving change in a dynamic, high-volume setting. You'll be trusted to influence senior decision-makers, build strong community partnerships, and embed cultural knowledge and safety into every layer of the department’s operations.

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Policy Manager

About you:

• You have extensive experience developing and delivering culturally responsive public policy, particularly with Aboriginal communities and contexts.
• You bring deep knowledge of policy evaluation, cultural impact assessment, and evidence-based decision-making.
• You're confident leading reforms that translate strategic intent into tangible outcomes on the ground.
• You have a strong ability to negotiate, collaborate and influence in politically and socially sensitive environments.
• You are committed to building cultural safety and improving long-term outcomes for Aboriginal peoples through policy leadership.

Desired Knowledge & Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in human resources, management, arts and/or related specialised discipline or demonstrated relevant experience.
• Extensive experience in a policy and coordination function which result in positive Aboriginal outcomes, including embedding strategic and operational processes within core business and advice at a senior level.
• Experience in delivering Department wide strategies, including thought leadership, coordination and reporting.
• Experience partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and entities.
• Full Drivers Licence for occasional need to travel.

What is an essential requirement:
Aboriginal identified positions are developed where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977) for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria: 

• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and 
• identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and 
• is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community. 

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. Please also supply a copy of your Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) as part of your application as this is required documentation to be considered for an Aboriginal Identified role.

Applications close Wednesday 14^th May 2025 at 11:55PM

For more information about the role, please contact James O’Keefe, Director Aboriginal Unity on james.okeefe@dpie.nsw.gov.au for further details.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

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.

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'.