Manager Strategic Engagement, Youth Justice

Manager of Strategic Engagement,

Youth Justice

• Temporary, Full Time up to 1 January 2026
• Location: Hybrid, based at 6 Parramatta Square - Parramatta
• Clerk Grade 11/12 Salary ($145,378 - $168,130 pa), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

This is a targeted recruitment.

While all applicants are welcome, preference will be given to candidates who meet the established standards of the role and are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

This is because the Department acknowledges this lived experience contributes a perspective valuable to our work with this community.

Your role

As the Manager of Strategic Engagement, Youth Justice, you will coordinate the provision of high-level advice and assistance to the Director, on the Division’s corporate and business planning, communications and media affairs. Brief the Executive Director and leadership team on emerging issues and provide strategic direction and management of government and state priorities. While developing high level strategic directions in external and internal corporate communication approaches including maintaining and promoting a positive image of the Division. Manage, direct and maintain high quality communications and external relations function for the Agency. 

What you’ll do

You will often be the contact point for the Executive Director on media matters and officers from other Agencies and/or principals of external organisations on external relations, requiring the position holder to decide on the appropriate information channel within the Agency.

The role is also responsible for:

• Development of the Division’s influencer list and ongoing stakeholder engagement.
• Representation on inter and intra-government working groups regarding Divisional business and implementation of government priorities.
• Providing leadership and strategic/expert advice on media communication issues and the development and implementation of agency and program specific strategic media communication programs to support Agency and whole-of-government objectives.
• Leading, contributing & managing critical communication issues and coordinate Agency participation in across-government critical issues management exercises and activities, particularly justice, human services agencies with central DCJ Media teams particularly DCJ Ministerial media officers.Coordinate contributions and prepare the Agency’s Annual Report and analyse reports and papers, adding value and/or providing advice to the Director and the Executive Director.
• Develop, monitor ansd report on the Division's annual Business Plan. provide Divisional advice and contributions to the Department's Strategic Plan and implementation of State Priorities as needed.
• Review, prepare and advise on reports, discussion papers, correspondence, briefings and submissions to senior staff and develop strategies and briefing material for issues being considered by intra and inter agency committees.
• Develop and operate efficient systems for seeking advice and approvals from all parts of the Agency and other portfolio agencies.
• Develop a comprehensive communication framework for the Agency to support the implementation of corporate directions and State Plan priorities.

What we’re looking for

• Tertiary qualifications in management/business/marketing/communications or equivalent experience.
• Current NSW Working with Children Check clearance.

Appointments are subject to reference checks. Some roles may also require the following checks/ clearances:

• National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014

Download the role description.

If you are viewing this ad in Seek and wish to apply via their portal, you will be required to either set up a profile or login via your existing Seek account.

To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now’ button.

We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.

What We Offer

We offer a variety of benefits, including:

• A challenging and rewarding career
• Flexible, autonomous work environment
• Competitive pay and conditions
• Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
• Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.

Want more information?  Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.

We do work that really matters

Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.

Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!

Are you ready to join us?

Click apply. You will need to attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum five pages) and a cover letter (maximum three pages) with a brief outline on how you meet the focus capabilities & requirements of the role and answer the two targeted questions below:

1.  Considering a recent task/project, how did you communicate the Department’s strategic objectives to the organisation? Explain how you engaged with Aboriginal stakeholders to guide and develop your approach?

2. Share a situation in which you had to coordinate several people to achieve a goal. How did you go about coordinating and leading the group? How did they respond?

Applications close  4 April 2025 at 11:59pm AEST.

Got a question?

For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Annika Ross - A/Director Strategy and Engagement on 0477 716 934 or via Annika.Ross@dcj.nsw.gov.au

If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please call Lisa Smith  on 0456 199 105 or via Lisa.smith3@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.

Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit

We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.

To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

For more information and advice on applying for roles at DCJ, visit Careers for Aboriginal people https://www.dcj.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers-at-dcj/pathways/careers-for-aboriginal-people.html

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.

To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/