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 RoleThe 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
In this executive leadership role, you will be responsible for providing 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. You will 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. In addition, as a member of the Attorney-General's Department Executive Leadership team, you will provide strategic leadership to the department as a whole.
You will champion a culture of high performance, accountability and collaboration across the Division and the wider Department, modelling the organisation's values and driving a consistent focus on quality outcomes. A core element of the role involves leading and coordinating legal service requests across Government, including the effective outsourcing of legal matters to the private sector through the NT Legal Services List. You will ensure that Government receives value for money through prudent management of both internal and external legal resources.
The role also requires building and maintaining strong strategic alliances with senior leaders across the Northern Territory Government, statutory office holders, inter-jurisdictional counterparts and key stakeholders both locally and nationally. You will represent the Department and the Northern Territory in high-level forums, committees and collaborative initiatives, contributing to cohesive cross-agency outcomes and advancing the NT's interests in national discussions.
Selection Criteria
To be successful, you will be admitted—or eligible for admission—as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory. You will bring significant practical experience in providing legal advice within a government context and possess a deep understanding of the issues, frameworks and considerations relevant to delivering legal services in Government. You will demonstrate a strong track record in developing and implementing strategic plans that enhance performance and effectively managing organisational and financial responsibilities.
You will be highly adept at exercising sound judgement and interpreting the broader social and political environment, communicating with influence at the most senior levels. You will have substantial senior executive leadership experience, including managing multiple, diverse teams, leading organisational change, resolving conflict and building capability across complex environments. Your ability to solve problems, negotiate effectively and build constructive relationships will be exceptional, supported by your proven capacity to forge strategic alliances across public and private sectors and within the broader community.
Ideally, you will bring experience in legal practice or a strong understanding of contemporary issues shaping the justice system. Experience practising law in the Northern Territory will be 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.
For further information about this vacancy please contact:
Leonique Swart, A/Chief Executive Officer on
or
Quote vacancy number: 48556
Closing date: 22/02/2026
Applications should consist of a one page summary sheet, resume / CV and copies of relevant qualifications.
For a copy of the Job Description or to view career opportunities in the Northern Territory Government please visit