Executive Director Youth Justice

Northern Territory Government; Darwin; On-site; AUD 236,000 - 288,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks recreation leave per annum

Relocation assistance considered

Job summary

Northern Territory Government is seeking an experienced Executive Director Youth Justice based in Darwin. You will provide strategic leadership, oversee detention centre operations, and drive integrated, evidence-based youth justice services across detention, community programs and support services.

You will lead reform initiatives, manage a large portfolio and build strong relationships with government, community organisations and external partners to improve outcomes for young people and

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in complex operational and strategic environments.
• Strong knowledge of youth justice systems, reform agendas and contemporary service delivery practices.
• Experience building and maintaining effective relationships across government, ministerial offices, industry and community stakeholders.
• A commitment to cultural safety, diversity and inclusion.
• Proven capability in leading large teams, managing resources and driving organisational performance.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Leading and overseeing Youth Justice detention centre operations.
• Driving the implementation and continuous improvement of Youth Justice service delivery models.
• Providing strategic leadership across community youth justice, detention services, programs and support services.
• Building strong relationships with government agencies, community organisations, stakeholders and external partners.
• Monitoring and evaluating service performance to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Leading organisational change, reform implementation and workforce capability development.
• Ensuring services operate in line with legislative, policy and ethical requirements.

Job description

Executive Contract Officer - Remuneration Package $262,223

Youth Justice

Darwin, Northern Territory

An Executive contract for up to 4 years may be offered

The Department of Corrections is seeking an experienced and strategic executive leader to join the senior leadership team as Executive Director Youth Justice. Reporting directly to the Deputy Commissioner, this influential role is responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational oversight and expert advice across the NT Youth Justice system, including detention operations, community youth justice services, programs and service delivery.

About the role

As Executive Director Youth Justice, you will play a pivotal role in delivering a safer Northern Territory through integrated, evidence-based youth justice services. You will lead a large and diverse portfolio and drive reform initiatives that improve outcomes for young people, families and communities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and overseeing Youth Justice detention centre operations.
• Driving the implementation and continuous improvement of Youth Justice service delivery models.
• Providing strategic leadership across community youth justice, detention services, programs and support services.
• Building strong relationships with government agencies, community organisations, stakeholders and external partners.
• Monitoring and evaluating service performance to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Leading organisational change, reform implementation and workforce capability development.
• Ensuring services operate in line with legislative, policy and ethical requirements.

What's on offer

• Attractive remuneration package of $262,223.
• 5 weeks recreation leave per annum.
• Relocation assistance considered.
• Opportunity to influence and lead significant Youth Justice reform across the Territory.
• Work with a highly committed executive team focused on delivering better outcomes for young people and communities

About you

You are a highly accomplished executive leader with a strong understanding of youth justice, human services, corrections, community safety or a related sector. You are recognised for your strategic thinking, collaborative leadership style and ability to achieve outcomes in complex environments.

To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Significant leadership experience in complex operational and strategic environments.
• Strong knowledge of youth justice systems, reform agendas and contemporary service delivery practices.
• Experience building and maintaining effective relationships across government, ministerial offices, industry and community stakeholders.
• A commitment to cultural safety, diversity and inclusion.
• Proven capability in leading large teams, managing resources and driving organisational performance.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• A commitment to achieving positive outcomes for young people and the wider community.

Essential:

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline combined with relevant senior executive experience, or an equivalent combination of substantial relevant senior executive experience and education/training. Relevant disciplines may include criminal justice, law, public policy, public administration, management, leadership, behavioural sciences or related fields.

Why the Northern Territory?

Based in Darwin, you will have the opportunity to lead at a whole-of-Territory level while experiencing the professional and lifestyle opportunities that come with living and working in the Northern Territory.

Lead transformational change and improve outcomes for young people across the Northern Territory.

This is a great time to consider a move to the Territory.

For further information about this vacancy please contact: Sasha Dennis, Deputy Commissioner on 08 8999 1633 or [e-mail]

Quote vacancy number: 137

Closing date: 24/11/2026