Executive Director – Youth Justice
Based in Parramatta
Ongoing role available
$329,471 - $366,890 total remuneration payable
Your role
As the Executive Director of Youth Justice, you will provide leadership through a period of growth and modernisation, supporting a stronger and more effective service system for young people, their families and the wider community. We are seeking an exceptional and forward‐thinking leader to guide Youth Justice in delivering high‐quality services, driving improvement, and shaping the future of youth justice across the state.
What you'll do
As an Executive Director of Youth Justice, you will:
* Play a key role in strategic planning processes, ensuring alignment with broader government objectives and making plans actionable and relevant.
* Contribute to whole‐of‐government policy and program initiatives to support strategic priorities.
* Drive innovative strategies to reduce reoffending and strengthen early intervention, community‐based options and post‐release support.
* Ensure facilities provide secure, rehabilitative environments with access to quality education, programs, and therapeutic services.
* Manage Youth Justice within approved budgets, ensuring sound financial oversight and delivering required savings and performance outcomes.
* Provide thought leadership in financial management reforms, efficiency improvements, talent management, and technology advancements.
* Build strong partnerships with all stakeholders and represent Youth Justice in cluster and interagency forums.
What we're looking for
We are looking for a motivated leader that has:
* Demonstrated ability to develop innovative strategies and solutions relating to the custody of young offenders, including reducing recidivism and re–offending, enhancing early intervention, non–custodial punishment and post–release support.
* Proven senior executive experience in politically sensitive roles.
* Proven ability to lead cultural and transformational change.
* Experience with supports for young people with cognitive or mental health needs who interact with the justice system.
* Strategic thinker with a strong focus on identifying and delivering value.
* Highly skilled communicator, adept at distilling complex issues into clear, compelling messages.
* Effective stakeholder manager with a track record of building strong, influential relationships.
Download the role description.
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To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the 'Apply now' button.
We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.
We do work that really matters
Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It's work that really matters.
Apply now and join Australia's top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!
Are you ready to join us?
Click apply, attach a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).
Applications close Sunday 8 March 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT.
Got a question?
If you've got a question about the role, the application process, or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please reach out to Dylan Huke on 0484 362 936 or via .
Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.
Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit
We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.
To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.
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.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
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