Senior Director, Strategy

City and Environment Directorate; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of Water in Canberra is seeking a Senior Director, Strategy to shape ACT water policy, planning and reform and to lead strategic initiatives for sustainable water management and long-term water security.

The Senior Director will provide high-level policy advice, oversee complex legislative reforms, and represent the ACT in national forums and negotiations, fostering partnerships across government, industry and research sectors.

Qualifications

• Experienced leader with strong strategic, policy and governance capabilities.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex programs and reforms in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead water policy and planning initiatives for ACT.
• Oversee intergovernmental engagement and national water reform efforts.
• Represent ACT in national forums and negotiations; build strategic partnerships.
• Contribute to delivery of ACT Water Strategy, water resource planning and cross-border issues.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy development

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Details:

The Office of Water is seeking a highly motivated and strategic leader to fill the position of Senior Director, Strategy. This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of water policy, planning and reform in the ACT, leading strategic initiatives that support sustainable water management and long‑term water security.

Reporting to the Executive Group Manager, the Senior Director will lead a portfolio responsible for water policy and planning, intergovernmental engagement, national water reform, regional water planning, water trade, governance frameworks and strategic stakeholder relationships. The position will provide high‑level policy advice to government, lead complex legislative and policy reform projects, represent the ACT in national forums and negotiations, and foster effective partnerships across government, industry, community and research sectors. The role will also play a key leadership role in delivering priorities associated with the ACT Water Strategy, National Water Agreement reforms, water resource planning, catchment management and cross‑border water issues.

We are looking for an experienced leader with strong strategic, policy and governance capabilities, outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills, and a demonstrated ability to deliver complex programs and reforms in a dynamic environment.

The ACT Public Service is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people of diverse sexualities and genders, and people of all ages.

Notes:

A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months.

Selection may be based on application and referee reports only.

The successful applicant may be required to undertake occasional interstate travel and represent the ACT at national forums, working groups and negotiations.