Senior Policy Officer

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Influence government priorities through strategic policy leadership
• Ongoing full-time opportunity
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $128,052 to $142,649 + super

Heritage NSW works with communities to protect, celebrate and manage our incredible heritage across NSW. If you are keen to be a part of a high performing, multi-disciplinary team that helps conserve and protect the heritage of NSW, then this is the job for you!

As a Senior Policy Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategic policy initiatives that support government priorities and drive meaningful outcomes for the people of New South Wales. You will provide high-quality policy advice on complex and sensitive heritage matters, prepare briefings and submissions for senior executives and government stakeholders, and collaborate with a diverse range of partners including government agencies, industry representatives, community groups and heritage specialists.

This role offers the opportunity to influence policy in a dynamic and evolving environment, requiring strong analytical skills, sound judgement, stakeholder engagement experience and the ability to manage multiple priorities to deliver meaningful outcomes for NSW's Aboriginal, non-Aboriginal and shared heritage.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading and contributing to strategic policy development and reform projects.
• Preparing high-quality briefing notes, reports, submissions and ministerial correspondence.
• Engaging and collaborating with stakeholders to develop effective and practical policy solutions.
• Conducting research and analysis to inform evidence-based decision making.
• Managing projects and delivering outcomes within agreed timeframes and priorities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a policy professional who is passionate about heritage conservation and enjoys working at the intersection of policy, strategy and stakeholder engagement.

About You

You are an experienced policy professional with a strong ability to analyse complex issues, develop practical policy solutions and provide high-quality advice in a dynamic environment. You are a strategic thinker who can navigate competing priorities, exercise sound judgement and contribute to policy initiatives that deliver meaningful outcomes for the community.

You bring excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills, enabling you to interpret legislation, policy and emerging issues to inform evidence-based decision-making. You are confident preparing briefing notes, reports, submissions and correspondence for a range of audiences, including senior executives and government stakeholders.

A strong communicator and relationship builder, you thrive on engaging with diverse stakeholders and can influence outcomes through collaboration, consultation and negotiation. You are adept at building productive partnerships, managing sensitive issues and balancing differing perspectives to achieve positive results.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Experience developing, implementing and evaluating policy, strategy or regulatory initiatives.
• Strong research, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise and persuasive reports, briefings and submissions.
• Proven stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build effective relationships across government, industry and the community.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes within tight timeframes.
• Sound judgement, adaptability and the ability to work effectively in a complex and evolving policy environment.
• A genuine interest in heritage conservation, public policy and delivering positive outcomes for NSW communities.

This role would suit a motivated and collaborative professional who enjoys influencing policy outcomes, solving complex problems and contributing to the protection and celebration of NSW's rich heritage.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Policy Officer

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

To Apply

If 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.

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.

Applications close Tuesday 24th November 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Julia Dowling via [email protected]

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.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

• How to apply for public service roles and prepare an application.
• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.
• Information and support for veterans transitioning into government careers.

If you require an adjustment for your application process (including an alternate format of the application form), please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing [email protected] or contacting Lila Snow on 02 9995 5095 (please mention reference number 554220).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at [email protected] for a yarn.

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