Principal Policy Officer

Company description:

Department of Communities and Justice

Job description:

Principal Policy Officer

Office of the Executive Director, Court Services

Location - Goulburn St, Sydney CBD

Employment type - Ongoing Full-time

Salary - 149,739 -- $173,174 pa plus superannuation and leave loading

Your role

As a key member of the leadership team, you will provide expert policy, planning, and operational support to the Court Services Executive team, and various Divisions within the Department of Communities and Justice. You will lead and inspire a team to deliver strategic advice and manage projects that drive the organisation's strategic, business, and operational objectives forward.

What you'll do

As part of the Principal Policy Officer, you will

• Support the NSW community by contributing to access to justice services and initiatives that protect rights and public safety.

• Work within Court Services, the largest branch of the Courts, Tribunals, and Service Delivery Division, which includes the Local Court, District Court, Drug Court, Children's Court, and Coroners Court.

• Collaborate both internally and externally with dedicated teams and stakeholders committed to delivering justice services to the people of NSW.

• Foster a positive and supportive workplace culture that values teamwork, collaboration, and ongoing professional development.

• Engage in meaningful work that aligns with our organisational values and contributes to impactful outcomes in the justice system.

What we're looking for

Proven ability to identify, investigate, and resolve urgent and complex management issues, supported by strong leadership and managerial skills.

Experience in leading research and analysis of emerging trends to develop evidence-based strategies and effective policy solutions.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft and present proposals for legislative and policy reform.

Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with a track record of building and maintaining effective working relationships and managing policy initiatives under tight deadlines.

An understanding of how government operates including the relationship between departments and ministers, briefing processes, and decision-making frameworks — or a demonstrated ability to quickly learn, build relationships and adapt to these dynamics If you're new to the public sector.

Download the role description.

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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 résumé (maximum 5 pages).

Applications close: Tuesday, 04 November 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 Alexander Jobe at or 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 Mayur Kaushik on or via

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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