Principal Manager Community Engagement

Legal Aid NSW; Sydney; On-site; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Legal Aid NSW is seeking a Principal Manager Community Engagement to lead a multidisciplinary team delivering trusted information, community education and engagement across NSW. You will shape strategy, influence decisions and partner with diverse communities to improve access to justice.

You will turn complex legal information into accessible experiences, drive audience-centred initiatives and collaborate across the organisation to maximise impact with limited resources.

Qualifications

• Leadership in communications and engagement
• Experience turning complex information into accessible content for diverse audiences
• Background in government, justice, public health, community services or not-for-profit sectors

Responsibilities

• Lead the team delivering information, education and engagement to NSW communities
• Drive the strategic direction of the combined communications function and build partnerships
• Champion audience-centred approaches to improve access to justice

Skills

Communications leadership

Public engagement

Digital content

Education

Tertiary qualifications in communications, public engagement, digital content, adult education, journalism, law, public policy, social sciences or a related discipline

Job description

• Champion fairness. Empower communities. Build your career.
• Salary range $154,231 - $178,369 pa (plus superannuation and entitlements)
• Ongoing Full-time located in Haymarket - 5-minute walk from Central Station

About Legal Aid NSW

We stand beside people when they need it most.

At Legal Aid NSW, fairness isn't just a legal principle, it shapes everything we do - our culture, our services, our workplace and our decisions.

Since 1979, Legal Aid NSW has provided legal advice, support and representation in criminal, family and civil law, helping people across NSW navigate hardship and complex legal issues. Our work is challenging, but deeply meaningful.

In partnerships with private lawyers, Community Legal Centres and the Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT, we are located throughout the state including our Central Sydney office, 25 regional offices, and satellite and outreach offices.

About the Role

If you're a communications and engagement leader motivated by purpose, this is your opportunity to use your expertise to make a meaningful difference. As the Principal Manager Community Engagement, you'll lead the team responsible for helping people across NSW understand their legal rights, navigate legal challenges and connect with the support they need.

You’ll drive the strategic direction of Legal Aid NSW's newly combined communications, public education and engagement function, leading a talented multidisciplinary team to deliver trusted information, community education and engagement initiatives that reach diverse and priority communities. Working across the organisation, you'll influence decision-making, build strong partnerships and champion innovative, audience-centred approaches that improve access to justice and help create better outcomes for the people and communities we serve.

About You

You are a communications and/or public engagement leader who knows how to turn complex information into meaningful and accessible experiences for diverse audiences. With a background in communications, community engagement, public education or digital content, you bring expertise in connecting with communities, building trust and delivering initiatives that create lasting impact. Whether your experience has been gained in government, justice, public health, community services, advocacy or the not-for-profit sector, you are energised by the opportunity to improve access to information, strengthen community capability and contribute to better outcomes for the people and communities you serve.

You are an innovative and values-driven leader who will inspire this newly formed high-performing team to deliver on Legal Aid NSW's strategic priorities. You thrive in environments where collaboration, influence and strategic thinking are essential. You enjoy finding smarter ways to engage audiences, challenge traditional approaches and maximise impact, even when resources are limited. Whether you are an experienced leader or an emerging executive ready to take the next step, you are motivated by the opportunity to lead meaningful work that supports access to justice for communities across NSW.

You Belong Here

Here, every role has purpose.

Whether you're delivering frontline legal services or strengthening our organisation from behind the scenes, you'll help create fairer outcomes for the people across NSW.

We're building a workplace where every culture, identity, ability and voice are included and valued. We welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with visible and invisible disability, culturally diverse communities, and LGBTQI+ communities so you can connect and flourish at every stage of career.

You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organisation, working alongside like-minded and values driven people dedicated to justice, community impact, and delivering exceptional support and service through cross collaboration.

Benefits of working at Legal Aid NSW

As an employee of Legal Aid NSW, you will have access to and enjoy a variety of support and benefits so you can thrive professionally and personally. You'll love our:

Flexible Working

we are a Flex Ready certified and Carers and Employers accredited organisation. We are leading the way in offering a variety of flexible working options to uniquely support your unique work life balance.

Professional Growth

as the largest law firm in NSW we offer a variety of opportunities to enhance your career at every stage, through regional graduate programs, Practical Legal Training and work placements, mentoring, training, and secondment opportunities.

Work Health, Safety and Wellbeing

with dedicated programs, training, resources, and respectful work practices, our Wellbeing Framework ensures your physical, mental and psychosocial wellbeing matters, so you feel supported, safe and holistically well.

• Hold Australian or NZ citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency (for ongoing roles)
• Undertake relevant pre-employment checks such as Working with Children Check, Criminal Record Check, and Conduct Service Check
• Possess Tertiary qualifications in communications, public engagement, digital content, adult education, journalism, law, public policy, social sciences or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Be willing to travel to regional and metropolitan offices as required

Closing Date: Sunday, 15 November 2026 at 11.59pm

We may use this recruitment to create a Talent Pool for similar ongoing or temporary vacancies we have over the next 18 months.

For recruitment enquiries, accessibility support and recruitment adjustments, please contact Paige Gill, Recruitment Officer, at ******@legalaid.nsw.gov.au or call the Talent Acquisition team on 02 9134 9***.

To find out more about adjustments in NSW Government, visit Adjustments for individual needs | NSW Government.

For role specific enquiries, contact Jane Cipants, Executive Director, at ************@legalaid.nsw.gov.au, or 02 9219 5***.

Aboriginal candidates are encouraged to connect with the Legal Aid NSW Aboriginal Services Branch for a yarn.