First Assistant Secretary: Strategic Policy Lead

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations seeks a Senior Executive Service Band 2 leader to guide strategy, governance and performance across a complex portfolio. The role focuses on shaping policy, delivering major programs and building leadership depth across the department.

You will operate across government priorities, external environments and community needs, identifying risks and translating them into credible, strategic choices for senior decision-makers.

Qualifications

• Experience leading SES/EL leadership.
• Proven track record delivering in complex, whole-of-government contexts.
• Experience shaping policy, programs and governance.

Responsibilities

• Interpret the external environment and identify strategic risks for DEWR.
• Shape policy and strategic choices, integrate evidence and diverse perspectives.
• Create coherence across policy, delivery, regulation, people, resources, technology, data and partnerships.
• Turn strategy into outcomes by leading a high‑performing leadership cohort.
• Lead beyond organisational boundaries, building coalitions across APS and industries.
• Drive system-level change to support Closing the Gap with First Nations communities.
• Build institutional capability and ensure readiness for emerging priorities.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic judgement

Delivery in complex environments

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary qualifications

Executive leadership development

Job description

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations seeks a Senior Executive Service Band 2 leader to guide strategy, governance and performance across a complex portfolio. The role focuses on shaping policy, delivering major programs and building leadership depth across the department.

You will operate across government priorities, external environments and community needs, identifying risks and translating them into credible, strategic choices for senior decision-makers.