Overview
Executive Contract Officer 3 - Remuneration Package Range $269,482
Legal Services
Darwin
An Executive contract commencing 16/04/2026 of up to 4 years may be offered.
Lead legal excellence across the Northern Territory Government.
About the Role The Executive Director, Legal Services, provides strategic leadership to the Legal Services Division to ensure the delivery of high-quality, timely and cost-effective legal services to Government and its Agencies. This position also oversees the administration of financial assistance to victims of violent crime and provides specialist advice on issues affecting victims.
As a member of the Department’s Executive Leadership Team, the Executive Director plays a vital role in guiding whole-of-government legal strategy, fostering a strong model litigant culture and ensuring that legal resources—both internal and external—are optimally managed.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide authoritative and strategic legal advice to the Chief Executive Officer, the Attorney-General, Government and senior stakeholders on a wide range of complex, sensitive and high-risk matters.
* Set the strategic direction for the delivery of legal services provided by the Solicitor for the Northern Territory, and the work of the Crimes Victims Services Unit to ensure victims of violent crimes receive the financial assistance and support they are entitled to.
* As a member of the Attorney-General’s Department Executive Leadership team, provide strategic leadership to the department as a whole.
* Champion a culture of high performance, accountability and collaboration across the Division and the wider Department; model the organisation’s values and drive a consistent focus on quality outcomes.
* Lead and coordinate legal service requests across Government, including the effective outsourcing of legal matters to the private sector through the NTLegal Services List; ensure value for money through prudent management of internal and external legal resources.
* Build and maintain strong strategic alliances with senior leaders across the Northern Territory Government, statutory office holders, inter-jurisdictional counterparts and key stakeholders; represent the Department and the Northern Territory in high-level forums and collaborative initiatives.
Selection Criteria
* Be admitted—or eligible for admission—as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.
* Bring significant practical experience in providing legal advice within a government context and understanding of issues, frameworks and considerations relevant to delivering legal services in Government.
* Demonstrate a strong track record in developing and implementing strategic plans, enhancing performance and effectively managing organisational and financial responsibilities.
* Exhibit sound judgement and ability to interpret the broader social and political environment; communicate with influence at senior levels.
* Hold substantial senior executive leadership experience, including managing multiple teams, leading organisational change, resolving conflict and building capability across complex environments.
* Have the ability to solve problems, negotiate effectively and build constructive relationships; proven capacity to forge strategic alliances across public and private sectors and the broader community.
* Ideally bring experience in legal practice or a strong understanding of contemporary issues shaping the justice system; experience practising law in the Northern Territory is highly regarded.
Why Join Us?
This is a high-impact executive role that directly shapes the delivery of justice, legal governance and victim support across the Northern Territory. You will lead expert teams, influence system-wide legal practice and drive meaningful organisational outcomes.
Applications should consist of a one-page summary sheet, resume/CV and copies of relevant qualifications.
The Department of Attorney-General and Justice is responsible for justice services, correctional services, regulatory services, policy and legal services, Director of Public Prosecutions, courts and tribunals and independent offices.
Notes The information reflects the content of the job description as provided.
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