Director Strategic Policy and Operations
* Based in Parramatta
* Ongoing position available
* Total Remuneration Package Range starting from $239,251 – $264,197
Your role
As the Director, Strategic Policy & Operations, you will lead the coordination, performance improvement and strategic alignment of custodial and community corrections across Corrective Services NSW. You will drive operational excellence, shape policy settings, and lead reform initiatives that enhance service delivery, reduce reoffending and strengthen organisational capability. As a key adviser to senior leadership, you will influence state‑wide operational strategy, embed continuous improvement and ensure the system is positioned to respond effectively to emerging risks, priorities and opportunities.
What you’ll do
As the Director Strategic Policy and Operations, you will:
* Lead strategic operational planning, service coordination and performance improvement across custodial and community corrections statewide.
* Identify and drive reform opportunities, overseeing major improvement initiatives, business cases, change management and implementation of critical review outcomes.
* Develop, review and implement operational policies, procedures and frameworks that strengthen consistency, quality and operational maturity.
* Provide authoritative advice to senior executives on operational performance, risks, resource needs and emerging issues across the system.
* Build strong partnerships across key internal and external stakeholders to support operational alignment, collaboration and effective service delivery.
Click here to read more about the role.
What we’re looking for
* Senior‑level expertise in operational leadership, strategic policy or system‑wide service delivery within criminal justice or similarly complex environments.
* Strong capacity to lead reform, analyse performance, manage risk and deliver operational improvements across dispersed and high‑risk service settings.
* Highly developed stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence across senior executive and cross‑agency networks.
* Demonstrated leadership capability with experience managing teams, driving cultural uplift and supporting high‑performance, accountability and professional growth.
* A commitment to ethical leadership, cultural safety, inclusion and high‑performance environments, supported by relevant qualifications and experience.
We do work that really matters
Corrective Services NSW delivers professional correctional services and programs to reduce reoffending and create safer communities. We manage inmates in custody and supervise offenders in the community, working closely with courts, releasing authorities and partner agencies to support rehabilitation, reintegration and community safety.
Are you ready to join us?
Click Apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role and an up‑to‑date résumé (maximum 5 pages).
Applications close: Thursday 19 March 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT.
Got a question?
If you would benefit from an adjustment during the recruitment process or wish to discuss alternate application methods, please contact: DCJ Senior Executive Recruitment Team on
Inclusion and Diversity
We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve, including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, women, LGBTIQ+ people and carers.
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 Your recruitment journey on the DCJ website.
Please note that interviews are anticipated to take place between 8th and 17th April.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.