Executive Manager Legal & Governance

City of Darwin; Darwin; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Darwin is seeking an experienced Executive Manager Legal & Governance to lead a central function of Council decision-making, public accountability and elected member support in Darwin, Australia.

You will report to the CEO, be part of the Senior Leadership Team, and influence strategic outcomes while building capability across a high-profile executive function. The role covers legal, governance and executive support services.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted as Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.
• Must hold an unrestricted practising certificate in the Northern Territory.
• Minimum 3 years legal practice experience.
• Minimum 5 years governance/compliance experience in a regulated environment.
• Minimum 5 years supervisory or leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level legal and governance advice to the CEO, Council and senior leaders.
• Lead, coach and develop a multidisciplinary team in a governance function.
• Oversee Council's legal operations and external providers.
• Oversee governance systems, delegations and elected member support.
• Manage sensitive matters, including complaints and politically sensitive correspondence.
• Build trusted relationships with government and stakeholders to support governance outcomes.

Skills

Leadership

Legal judgement

Governance

Strategic advisory

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Admitted as Legal Practitioner NT

NT Practising Certificate

Job description

See more about the role below, including the responsibilities and skills we are looking for.

Executive Manager Legal & Governance

Darwin, Australia

Reference: 6939299

• Shape trusted legal, governance and elected member support for a dynamic capital city.
• Lead an experienced team and build capability across a high-profile executive function.
• Provide strategic advice directly to the Chief Executive Officer, Council and senior leaders.

About the role

City of Darwin is seeking an experienced legal and governance executive to lead a critical function at the centre of Council decision-making, public accountability and elected member support. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and contributing as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategic outcomes, strengthen organisational governance and lead a capable team delivering high-quality legal, governance and executive support services across a complex local government environment. Key areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

• Provide executive-level legal and governance advice to the Chief Executive Officer, Office and the Lord Mayor and CEO, General Managers, Elected Members and key stakeholders.
• Lead, coach and develop a skilled multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, sound judgement and continuous improvement.
• Lead Council's legal operations, including engagement and oversight of external legal providers and counsel.
• Oversee legislative compliance, governance systems, delegations, registers, Council and Committee administration and elected member support.
• Manage sensitive matters, including elected member complaints, dispute resolution, politically sensitive correspondence and responses to external oversight bodies.
• Build trusted relationships across government, local government peak bodies and community stakeholders to support effective advocacy and governance outcomes.

About you

You will be a confident and credible senior leader with strong legal judgement, sound political acumen and demonstrated experience leading people in a complex, regulated environment. You will know how to set clear expectations, support performance, build capability and bring people with you through change. With a contemporary understanding of governance, compliance and statutory decision-making, you will be able to translate complex legal and legislative matters into clear, practical advice while creating a positive, values-led team culture built on trust, professionalism and service excellence.

To be successful in this role, you must have: -

• Admission, or eligibility for admission, as a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.
• Eligibility to hold an unrestricted practising certificate in the Northern Territory.
• A minimum of three (3) years legal practice experience.
• A minimum of five (5) years' experience in compliance and governance within a regulated environment.
• A minimum of five (5) years' relevant supervisory or leadership experience.
• Ability to obtain a National Police Records Check and possession of a Class C Drivers Licence.

Working at City of Darwin

At City of Darwin, we are passionate about delivering services, leadership and advocacy that support a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive capital city. This is an opportunity to step into a senior role where your legal expertise, governance leadership and ability to guide and empower people will make a tangible contribution to the organisation and the Darwin community.

Applications close on Tuesday, 27October 2026.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted after the closing date.

The City of Darwin is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. We encourage people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background to apply.

As part of Council's recruitment process, applicants may be required to undergo pre-employment assessments, such as a Medical Assessment, National Police Check and Psychometric Assessment.

By 2030 we will be even bigger and better and will be known as a vibrant, creative, innovative, connected, healthy and environmentally responsible city.

Great Reasons To Work With Us

There are many great reasons to choose the City of Darwin as your next employer and even more reasons to stay once employed.

Contact Us

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