Council Engagement Manager

Office of Local Government

Reference number

551980

Occupation

Business Analysis, Client Education, Advisory, Continuous Improvement, General Administration, Program Management, Project Management

Work type

Full-Time

Location

Sydney - West, Wollongong & The South Coast, Statewide

Salary Information

Clerk Grade 9/10

Closing date

19 August 2026 at 11:55pm

Shape how the department builds trusted relationships and engages with local councils across NSW!

Temporary opportunities up to September 2027

Office located in Nowra or Parramatta with other locations considered. Flexible working supported

Salary relative to experience and ranges from $133,347.00 to $146,944.00 plus super

Join our team and shape your world in a workplace that empowers you to do your best work and build a meaningful career. In this role, you will contribute to shaping lives and communities across NSW, while shaping your own career. You will enjoy flexible work options, varied and impactful projects, and a vibrant, diverse team culture built on collaboration, inclusion and support. We are creating a workplace where everyone belongs and where you can balance work, life and wellbeing.

The role

This is a unique opportunity for a confident relationship builder to work directly with councils across NSW and help strengthen the way local government delivers for communities.

As Council Engagement Manager you will develop and maintain trusted relationships with councils, State government agencies and key sector stakeholders, supporting councils to make informed decisions and respond to emerging issues, reforms and policy priorities. Acting as a key connection point between State and local government, you will facilitate collaboration, provide practical information and assistance, and help deliver targeted initiatives and programs that support good governance, stronger performance and quality services for communities across NSW.

This is a highly independent and visible role requiring sound judgement, professionalism and the ability to balance a broad network of relationships while maintaining trust and credibility. You will engage directly with council General Managers and senior stakeholders, represent OLG at regional meetings and forums, and gather insights to identify risks, opportunities and trends. Success will require clear communication, confidence speaking with groups of managers, strong coordination skills and a willingness to travel regularly across NSW to stay connected with councils and communities.

What you will bring to the role:

Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted, professional relationships across councils, government agencies and sector partners.

Confidence engaging directly with senior stakeholders, including council General Managers, and speaking clearly with groups of managers or sector representatives.

The ability to identify emerging issues, understand council challenges and priorities, and contribute to practical solutions and initiatives.

A working knowledge of local or State government environments, policy priorities, reforms or legislation, with local government experience helpful but not essential.

Strong coordination, planning and self-management skills, with the ability to work independently, organise meetings and manage competing expectations.

A collaborative and solutions-focused approach, with sound judgement and the ability to represent OLG professionally in complex stakeholder environments.

Essential requirements

Willingness to travel regularly across NSW, including regional meetings and council engagements, to maintain strong on-the-ground relationships.

For more details, read the full Role Description here: Council Engagement Manager

About Us

At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together, we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property.

We are a high-performing organisation that proudly reflects the communities we serve. Our diversity strengthens our cultural capability and enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across NSW. As an inclusive and accessible workplace, we value your contribution, lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we want you to feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed. With flexible work arrangements, job share options, workplace adjustments and various employee affinity groups, we are here to help you thrive every day.

Join us

If this role sounds like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply with your CV and cover letter. We’d love to hear from you and explore how you can shape your world with us.

Applications close Wednesday, 19 August at 11:55PM. Should you require further information about the role please contact Sharne Colefax, Manager Council Engagement Team on sharne.colefax@olg.nsw.gov.au.

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (0 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.