Join to apply for the Director Governance & Engagement role at NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development provided pay range
This range is provided by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
A$210,000.00/yr - A$235,000.00/yr
Summary
Local Land Services (LLS), part of the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), is seeking an experienced executive to lead governance and engagement functions at the highest level. As Director Governance and Engagement, you will oversee Board management, provide strategic advice to the Chair and Board, and drive corporate stakeholder engagement and branding. This role is central to ensuring the Board meets its legislative responsibilities, while enhancing the agency’s reputation and relationships across government, industry, and the community.
About Us
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long-term benefits to NSW. With nearly 5,000 employees – 80% of whom live and work in regional communities – DPIRD brings together Agriculture and Biosecurity; Fisheries and Forestry; Local Land Services; NSW Resources; Regional Development and Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works; and the Soil Conservation Service.
Local Land Services is a regionally based organisation providing quality, customer-focused services to landholders and communities across NSW. Our remit spans agriculture, biosecurity, natural resource management, biodiversity, emergency services, and private native forestry.
About the role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director Governance and Engagement leads governance functions for the LLS Board, ensuring effective support for the Chair and Board members. You will be responsible for managing governance processes to ensure the Board meets its legislative responsibilities and executes its functions efficiently, while building trusted relationships with the Chair and Board. A key part of the role is translating business strategies into cohesive engagement approaches that promote programs, priorities, and objectives across the organisation and externally.
The Director will provide strategic corporate stakeholder engagement advice, oversee issue management, and coordinate communications functions across LLS to ensure consistency in messaging. You will manage the statewide media team, ensuring responsive and proactive communication with the Board, the Minister’s office, and DPIRD media teams. The role also requires leading the coordination of strategic issue management, proactively identifying emerging issues and opportunities, and formulating targeted communications strategies that strengthen the agency’s performance and external relationships.
Operating with a high level of autonomy, the Director will oversee up to five direct reports and manage significant resources. You will be expected to apply diplomacy, confidentiality, and judgment in advising on sensitive and potentially controversial issues, while balancing the expectations of the Board with the capacity of the organisation. This is a role that demands strategic insight, operational excellence, and the ability to foster collaboration across diverse stakeholders.
About you
You are a strategic leader with demonstrated experience operating at a senior level, advising and influencing senior management, and building trusted relationships with Boards, Chairs, and executives. Your career reflects a consistent ability to manage sensitive issues with diplomacy and sound judgment, while delivering effective governance and engagement outcomes. You bring established networks across government, industry, and stakeholder groups, and are adept at navigating complex and politically sensitive environments.
You will have a proven track record in leading governance functions, stakeholder engagement, and issue management, supported by strong leadership capability to inspire teams and foster collaboration across diverse stakeholders. You are highly skilled in negotiation, influencing, and conflict resolution, with the ability to gain consensus and commitment from others while anticipating and minimising conflict. Your strengths include designing and measuring accountabilities, overseeing quality assurance practices, and embedding risk management principles into business planning.
You are also a leader who values integrity, accountability, and the principles of the NSW public sector. You act ethically and professionally, set an example for others to follow, and encourage a culture of integrity across the organisation. You are adept at using technology to maximise efficiencies, managing projects to deliver outcomes, and developing people to build capability and succession. Above all, you are motivated by a commitment to public value, transparency, and strengthening the effectiveness of governance and engagement in a complex organisational environment.
To apply,
Please submit an updated CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience.
For further information
Please contact us via the LLS CEO Mailbox at ceo@lls.nsw.gov.au.
Additionally, please view the Role Description.
Applications close Friday 16 January 2026 @ 10:00am
Additional Information:
The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.
Diversity and inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.
Accessibility
If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to capability.talent@regional.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed below for a confidential discussion.
Seniority level
* Director
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Public Relations
Industries
* Government Relations Services
#J-18808-Ljbffr