Manager, Diversion

Division: Strategy Policy and Commissioning

Location:
Parramatta, NSW, AU, 2150

Req ID: 77280

Manager, Diversion

• Location: Parramatta (Hybrid)
• Employment type: Temporary full-time until 30 June 2027, with the possibility of becoming ongoing
• Grade: Clerk Grade 11/12
• Salary: $149,739 pa - $ 173,174 pa, plus employers' contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

Your role

Manager, Diversion – Lead Change Where It Matters Most

Join DCJ's Justice Programs branch and lead diversionary programs that support people in contact with the early stages of the criminal justice system. You'll lead a high-performing team, build strategic partnerships, and oversee the delivery and evaluation of court-based programs that create meaningful outcomes.

Please note this recruitment will be used to create a talent pool to fill other 11/12 vacancies in the Justice Programs branch, so if you're interested in leading justice programs, policy and reform, please apply.

What you'll do

As part of the Justice Programs leadership team, you will manage diversionary responses for people with complex needs in the criminal justice system, including people with cognitive impairment and issues related to their alcohol or other drug use.

You'll lead a passionate team, collaborate with stakeholders, and shape policy and programs to improve the criminal justice response to vulnerable cohorts.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the strategic governance of key diversionary programs, including the Justice Advocacy Service and MERIT.
• Collaborate with other parts of government, NGOs, researchers, and people with lived experience to improve and expand services, including through evaluation and commissioning.
• Provide expert advice and policy responses, including through briefings to Ministers, Cabinet Submissions and correspondence.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder partnerships.
• Analyse relevant trends and issues and contribute to justice policy and program development.

What we're looking for

• A strategic thinker who is passionate about improving the justice system, with the knowledge and experience to lead delivery and reform in this area
• A strong written and verbal communicator
• Skills in building strategic partnerships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate and high quality work
• A people-centred leader, who will build and motivate a team to deliver results.

Download the role description.

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, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date resume (maximum 5 pages).

Applications close Sunday, 14 September 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 Louise Pounder, Director of Justice Programs on

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 Poppy Sgro on or via email at

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 visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.

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

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