Senior Director, Strategy

Council Jobs; Canberra; On-site; AUD 172,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

ACT Public Service Office of Water seeks a Senior Director, Strategy to shape water policy, planning and reform across ACT. You will lead strategic initiatives, govern policy development, and drive high-level reform projects within a dynamic public service environment.

The role requires outstanding communication, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to deliver complex programs across government, industry and community sectors, contributing to the ACT Water Strategy and national reform efforts.

Qualifications

• Strong strategic, policy and governance capabilities.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to deliver complex programs and reforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic policy advice and governance initiatives for water policy and planning.
• Oversee intergovernmental engagement, national water reform and regional water planning.
• Represent ACT in national forums and negotiations and manage stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Policy development

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Job description

Classification: Infrastructure Manager/Specialist 1
Salary: $191,177 plus superannuation
Position No: 72459
Directorate: City and Environment
Advertised (Gazettal date): 21 October 2026
Contact Officer: Kaylene Schroeder on***************@act.gov.auor(02) 6207 6***

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.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal.