Job description
Agency Department of People, Sport and Culture Work unit Arts NT
Job title Principal Policy Officer Designation Senior Administrative Officer 1
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing commencing 01/07/2026
Salary $132,408 - $147,919 Location Darwin
Position number 24979 RTF 345958 Closing 10/05/2026
Contact officer Georgia Thomas on 08 8999 6053 or
About the agency https://dpsc.nt.gov.au
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=345958
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR
TERTIARY QUALIFICATIONS
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates
people with disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or
job, please discuss this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go
to the OCPE website.
Primary objective
Provide high-level policy advice and leadership to support the development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of arts
and cultural policy across the Northern Territory. Lead complex research, analysis and design of policy instruments, including
funding settings, sector development frameworks and partnership mechanisms, to deliver evidence-based outcomes for the arts,
cultural and creative industries sector.
Context statement
Arts NT operates in a fast-paced, collaborative environment delivering policy, programs and strategic initiatives aligned to the NT
Arts Strategy 2034 and Northern Territory Government priorities. policy advice on local and national issues impacting the arts
across all regions of the NT, leads development of policy positions and Ministerial briefings, and represents the NT in
intergovernmental and sector forums as required. Working to the Director, the role exercises a high degree of autonomy and
judgement, leading the development and evaluation of policy frameworks and initiatives while managing competing priorities. The
position works collaboratively across government, industry and community, including Aboriginal organisations and regional and
remote stakeholders, contributing to a high-performing culture focused on evidence-based decision making and measurable
outcomes.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Lead complex policy research and analysis to inform development of arts, cultural and creative industries policy.
2. Develop policy options, frameworks and instruments, including funding and partnership mechanisms aligned to government
priorities.
3. Lead stakeholder engagement and consultation across government, industry and community to inform policy development and
implementation.
4. Design and implement monitoring and evaluation approaches, including social, cultural and economic impact measures.
5. Prepare high-quality Ministerial briefings, Cabinet submissions and strategic policy advice on complex and sensitive issues.
6. Lead policy projects and contribute to whole-of-government policy development and coordination.
7. Supervise and mentor staff, contributing to capability development and a high-performing team culture.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. High-level expertise in policy development, research, analysis and evaluation in complex environments.
2. Demonstrated ability to provide authoritative, evidence-based advice on complex and sensitive issues.
3. Strong understanding of government processes, including Cabinet, legislative and regulatory frameworks.
4. Proven ability to lead complex projects and manage competing priorities.
5. Highly developed stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills.
6. Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of high-level briefings and submissions.
7. Demonstrated leadership capability, including mentoring and developing staff.
8. Strong analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills, including use of data and evidence.
9. Ability to work effectively across government and with diverse stakeholders, including regional and Aboriginal communities.
Desirable
1. Tertiary qualifications in public policy, economics, law, social sciences or a related discipline.
2. Knowledge of arts and cultural policy and the creative industries sector.
Further information
The position operates with a high degree of autonomy and initiative. The role contributes to, but is not solely accountable for, long-
term strategic policy outcomes. May require engagement in cross-agency forums and representation at a middle management level.
It may require travel to regional and remote communities.