Senior Project Officer, Closing The Gap

New South Wales Premier's Department; Sydney; On-site; AUD 133,000 - 147,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Working

Career Development

Work-Life Balance

Wellbeing Support

Inclusive Culture

Job summary

New South Wales Premier's Department – Mascot NSW is seeking a Senior Project Officer to lead whole-of-government Closing the Gap reform initiatives and drive system-wide transformation. You will coordinate complex policy and governance frameworks, prepare Cabinet submissions, and support cross-sector committees with Aboriginal communities.

You will join the Reform and Innovation Branch of Aboriginal Affairs NSW, delivering reforms and strengthening accountability while partnering with NSW

Qualifications

• Strategic policy and reform leadership experience in a whole-of-government context.
• Understanding of Closing the Gap reforms and collaboration with Aboriginal communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic projects supporting the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
• Develop governance and accountability frameworks for programs.
• Prepare Cabinet submissions and high-quality advice for senior executives.

Skills

Strategic Policy & Reform Leadership

Closing the Gap knowledge

Stakeholder engagement & influence

Cabinet & executive coordination

Governance & project delivery

Analytical & innovative thinking

Job description

New South Wales Premier's Department – Mascot NSW

• Lead whole-of-government Closing the Gap reform and transformation initiatives
• Bring your policy, stakeholder engagement and Cabinet coordination expertise
• Temporary, Clerk Grade 9/10 ($133,348 - $146,945) opportunity up to June 2028, based in Mascot.

About the Role

As a Senior Project Officer within the Closing the Gap team, you will lead strategic projects that support the delivery of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap and drive system-wide transformation across government.

You will coordinate complex policy and program initiatives, develop governance and accountability frameworks, prepare high-quality advice and Cabinet submissions, and support key cross-sector committees and advisory bodies. The role will play a central part in delivering the Change and Transformation Partnership reforms, strengthening government accountability and fostering genuine partnership with Aboriginal communities and organisations.

You will join the Reform and Innovation Branch of Aboriginal Affairs NSW. The team leads the delivery of whole-of-government Closing the Gap reforms and works in partnership with NSW Government agencies, Aboriginal stakeholders and communities to drive long-term change and accountability.

To learn more about the role please review the Role Description.

We're Looking For

• Strategic Policy & Reform Leadership: Experience leading complex policy, reform or transformation initiatives, ideally within a whole-of-government environment.
• Closing the Gap Knowledge: Understanding of Closing the Gap reforms and demonstrated experience working collaboratively with Aboriginal communities, organisations and stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Influence: Proven ability to build trusted relationships, facilitate consultation processes and negotiate outcomes across government, community and sector partners.
• Cabinet & Executive Coordination: Experience preparing Cabinet submissions, executive briefings, discussion papers and advice for senior executives and Ministers.
• Governance & Project Delivery: Ability to establish governance frameworks, coordinate committees and advisory groups, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within tight timeframes.
• Analytical & Innovative Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to undertake complex analysis, identify opportunities for improvement and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.

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: Sunday, 8 November 2026 (23:59pm)

Salary: Clerk Grade 9/10. Package includes base salary ($133,348 - $146,945) plus superannuation (12%) and leave loading.

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 ***@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au, 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.