Principal Project Officer

Premier's Department; Sydney; On-site; AUD 154,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working

Career Development

Work-Life Balance

Wellbeing Support

Inclusive Culture

Job summary

Premier’s Department is seeking a Principal Project Officer to provide strategic leadership across Reform and Innovation in Aboriginal Affairs. The role supports governance, performance and delivery of key reforms and programs, balancing budget, risk and reporting across a portfolio.

Based in Mascot, the position offers a temporary Clerk Grade 11/12 appointment with a competitive salary and strong opportunities for senior leadership impact within state government.

Qualifications

• Leads teams to design, evaluate and report on policy reform initiatives.
• Coordinates multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex programs.
• Delivers robust governance, performance reporting and budget alignment.

Responsibilities

• Lead business operations and strategic implementation across Reform and Innovation.
• Oversee end-to-end project management including planning, governance and reporting.
• Coordinate budget submissions, funding proposals and investment alignment.
• Produce high-quality written materials and Cabinet papers for decision-making.
• Engage with diverse stakeholders across Commonwealth and State agencies.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Governance

Stakeholder Engagement

Financial Management

Job description

Premier’s Department Principal Project Officer You. At the centre of big ideas.

• Lead business operations and strategic implementation across Reform and Innovation, driving priorities, strengthening governance and enabling high-performing teams and programs.
• A diverse and influential program leadership role, with the opportunity to shape priorities, solve complex challenges and contribute to Closing the Gap reforms.
• Temporary, Clerk Grade 11/12 opportunity ($154,231 - $178,369 per annum) until 12 July 2027 based in Mascot.

About the Role

The Principal Project Officer provides strategic leadership and operational oversight across Reform and Innovation, supporting strong governance, organisational performance and the delivery of key priorities. This position would suit an experienced senior leader, with a strong background in co-ordinating multidisciplinary teams, driving organisational performance, and delivering complex programs of work. The role provides strategic leadership across business operations, with responsibility for financial performance, project governance, risk management, partnership reporting and business support functions.

You will join our Aboriginal Affairs team within the Reform and Innovation branch. Further details on Reform and Innovation can be found here. To learn more about the role please review the Role Description.

• Policy and Service Reform Leadership: Leads teams to design, evaluate and report on innovative policy approaches, projects and initiatives that support government priorities, state-significant projects and service delivery reform outcomes.
• Project and Program Management: Oversees end-to-end project management across a portfolio, including business case development, project planning, governance, resource allocation, risk management and reporting to ensure successful delivery of outcomes.
• Financial and Budget Coordination: Leads and coordinates Closing the Gap budget submissions, working in partnership with sector agencies and Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations to develop robust funding proposals, align investment with strategic priorities and support government budget and decision-making processes.
• Strategic Writing and Government Briefings: Produces high-quality written materials on complex and sensitive issues, including reports, briefs, submissions, Cabinet papers, draft legislation and correspondence to support government and organisational decision-making.
• Policy Analysis and Research: Conducts and manages rigorous research, analysis and evaluation of complex policy, program and implementation issues, including cross-portfolio and intergovernmental matters.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Representation: Represents the Department in engagements with Commonwealth and State government agencies, non-government organisations, industry and community stakeholders, and provides secretariat support across forums and committees.

We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements
• Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert-led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities
• Work-Life Balance: Flex time accrual for extra hours worked (for non-executive roles) based on a 35-hour standard week
• Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness passport program, and wellbeing initiatives
• Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network

Closing Date: Tuesday, 27 October 2026 (23:59PM)

Salary: Classification Grade 11/12. Package includes base salary ($154,231 - $178,369) plus superannuation (12%) and leave loading.

Hiring Manager: Amy Johnson, Director Reform and Innovation [e-mail]

About the Premier's Department Connecting to Deliver from the Heart of Government

The Premier's Department leads the state's 430,000 public servants, driving collaboration and the delivery of whole-of-government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at Premier’s Department .

Our Commitment

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.

The Premier's Department acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.

Additional Information

Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating in pre-screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at [e-mail] , or reaching out to the hiring manager. Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.

Targeted Role

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply for this targeted role, and greater consideration will be given to their applications, in order to improve access to employment and career opportunities. This is in accordance with Rule 26 of the Government Sector Employment Rules 2014. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants must confirm their Aboriginality in addition to the essential requirements of the role.