Principal Department Liaison Officer

Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Step into a high-impact role where diplomacy, and leadership meet. Mentor a high-performing team at the heart of government decision-making
• Temporary full-time opportunity (up to 12 months)
• Salary is relative to experience and ranges from $149,739.00 to $173,174.00 plus super
• On-site location – The Principal Departmental Liaison Officer is required to work from Ministerial offices located in Sydney CBD 5 days per week

What's in it for me?

Are you eager to enhance your knowledge and experience of parliamentary processes and learn more about government? Keen to build your government network and get an inside view of what it's like to work for a Minister and their office? We're calling for anyone interested in becoming a Principal Departmental Liaison Officer to APPLY NOW

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and diverse, fulfilling assignments. We prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to succeed.

The role

The Principal Departmental Liaison Officer is the key point of contact for the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) in the Minister's Office. Your role is to deliver policy and procedural advice, ensure the effective exchange of information between the Minister's Office and the department, respond to enquiries, research, analyse and evaluate complex policy requirements, and support the Minister's office during Parliamentary sitting weeks and budget processes.

Client engagement and the ability to develop and manage relationships at a senior level with government agencies, cluster partners, and external leaders and stakeholders will key to your success in this role. Applying your extensive knowledge of the machinery of government, legislation and policy, as well as your excellent influencing and communication skills, will ensure you deliver accurate, strategic and expert advice and recommendations on a range of complex and/or politically sensitive issues.

You will have exceptional time management and organisational skills with the capacity to achieve balance between competing demands and the delivery of proactive strategies and reactive responses or actions.

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Departmental Liaison Officer

What you will bring to the role

• Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills – Essential for managing the relationship between the Minister's office and the Department.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written – Critical for drafting briefs, reviewing correspondence, and conveying complex policy advice.
• Political acumen and discretion in handling sensitive information – Vital for navigating high-pressure environments and managing contentious issues.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to anticipate emerging policy challenges – Supports proactive advice and coordination with the Minister's office.
• Confidence and composure in high-stakes, time-sensitive situations – Especially important during Parliamentary sitting weeks and budget processes.
• Collaborative leadership that fosters trust across senior levels – Reflects the need to lead a team while maintaining credibility with both Departmental executives and Ministerial staff

Key knowledge and experience

• Extensive working knowledge of the machinery of government and the roles of Cabinet & Parliament within NSW and the procedures required for ministerial correspondence, briefings, parliamentary material and speeches within the department.
• Knowledge of the functions and objectives of the department.

Join us

If you are excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close Tuesday 2 September at 11:55pm. Should you require further information about the role please contact Belinda Sheather, Principal Ministerial Liaison Officer on belinda.sheather@dpie.nsw.gov.au.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.