Director Policy and Insights in Sydney

Shape your world, in the team that shapes NSW communities, spaces and economies. Lead the policy, legislative and strategic direction of Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW and help shape sustainable, affordable and culturally appropriate interment services for communities across the state.

Ongoing full-time Senior Executive Band 1 opportunity Parramatta location, with flexible and hybrid working arrangements supported. TRP from $232K to $258K, including superannuation, commensurate with experience.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure is seeking an experienced and influential policy leader to join Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW as Director Policy and Insights. This is an opportunity to lead immediate and longer-term policy priorities within a complex and sensitive regulatory environment. You will provide strategic advice to Ministers, senior executives and key stakeholders while guiding the development and implementation of legislative, policy and governance frameworks for the cemeteries and crematoria sector.

About the role:

• Providing strategic, evidence-based advice to Ministers, the Chief Executive Officer, senior executives and stakeholders.
• Leading the development, implementation and review of policy, legislative and governance frameworks.
• Shaping policies and strategies that respond to emerging sector issues and support the future direction of cemeteries and crematoria in NSW.
• Leading Cabinet, ministerial and parliamentary processes, including responses to sector reviews.
• Building productive relationships with religious and cultural groups, cemetery and crematoria operators, government agencies and industry stakeholders.
• Overseeing relevant consultancies, procurement activities and project delivery.
• Leading, supporting and developing a multidisciplinary team.

About you:

You are a senior policy leader who can operate confidently in a complex, evolving and politically sensitive environment. You bring:

• Senior experience leading all aspects of policy development and delivering strategic and innovative policy options.
• Extensive knowledge and experience across policy and strategy development, implementation and review.
• Strong systemic thinking and the ability to prioritise the issues that will deliver the greatest impact.
• The judgement to turn complex evidence, competing interests and emerging issues into practical, balanced advice.
• Highly developed communication, influencing and negotiation skills.
• Experience building trusted relationships across government, industry and diverse community groups.
• Demonstrated people leadership, with the ability to set direction, build capability and support a collaborative and accountable team culture.

A relevant tertiary qualification and/or equivalent experience.

Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW is a statutory agency established under the Cemeteries and Crematoria Act 2013. It supports and regulates cemetery and crematoria operators, assesses the future interment needs of NSW and develops planning strategies to help ensure sufficient cemetery space. Its vision is that all people in NSW have access to sustainable, affordable and culturally appropriate services delivered in a consistent, transparent and accountable way.

Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW is part of the Crown Lands and Public Spaces Group within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure. The Department works to improve the liveability and prosperity of NSW by creating vibrant and productive places, managing land and assets effectively, and supporting affordable and diverse housing. We are committed to an inclusive and accessible workplace where individual contributions are valued and everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging.

Applications close: 8 November 2026 at 11:55 pm.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Matthew Dwyer, Talent Acquisition Partner via matthew.dwyer@dphi.nsw.gov.au.

A talent 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.

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'.

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. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.