Executive Director, Criminal Law — Strategic Leader (Flexible)

Legal Aid NSW; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working

Professional Growth

Wellbeing & Safety

Job summary

Legal Aid NSW is seeking an Executive Director, Criminal Law to provide strategic leadership of the criminal law program, overseeing delivery across metropolitan, regional and specialist in-house teams and private practitioners.

You will report to the CEO, lead 300+ professionals, drive reform, and shape the future direction of criminal justice services to improve access and outcomes for NSW communities. This is a rare opportunity to guide a large, respected practice during a period of change.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in criminal law and a deep understanding of the criminal justice system.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale legal services and multidisciplinary teams.
• Exceptional strategic leadership capabilities to shape organisational direction and drive service excellence.
• Strong stakeholder engagement with senior government leaders, judiciary, partner agencies, and the legal profession.
• Proven ability to lead organisational change, drive innovation, and deliver continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership of Legal Aid NSW's criminal law program across a statewide network.
• Oversee delivery of high-quality criminal law services through in-house and private practitioners.
• Lead more than 300 legal and allied professionals and drive organisational strategy.
• Collaborate with government agencies, judiciary, and community stakeholders to improve access to justice.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Financial management

People management

Inclusive culture

Wellbeing focus

Criminal law expertise

Education

Unrestricted NSW Practising Certificate

Job description

Legal Aid NSW is seeking an Executive Director, Criminal Law to provide strategic leadership of the criminal law program, overseeing delivery across metropolitan, regional and specialist in-house teams and private practitioners.

You will report to the CEO, lead 300+ professionals, drive reform, and shape the future direction of criminal justice services to improve access and outcomes for NSW communities. This is a rare opportunity to guide a large, respected practice during a period of change.