Director Referral Coordination and Assessment

• An executive leadership opportunity to lead a critical function at the centre of NSW's development assessment reform.
• Ongoing full-time role available, location negotiable with flexible working arrangements supported
• TRP from $217K to $242K including superannuation, commensurate with experience  

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is seeking an exceptional leader to join the Development Coordination Authority (DCA) as Director, Referral Coordination and Assessment.

The DCA has been established to strengthen how NSW Government agencies work together within the development assessment system. Acting as a central coordination point for agency advice, the Authority will streamline referral processes, resolve issues earlier and deliver clearer, more consistent input to consent authorities, supporting faster, better-informed planning outcomes across NSW.

Join a newly established authority with a mandate to reshape development assessment across NSW and help deliver the housing, infrastructure and sustainable communities our growing state needs. This is a rare opportunity to build a new function, influence system-wide reform and leave a lasting legacy on how development is assessed across NSW.

As Director, you will lead the establishment and growth of the DCA's Referral Coordination function, driving better coordination and more efficient assessment outcomes across the planning system.

Working at the forefront of planning reform, you will provide strategic leadership across government, build strong stakeholder partnerships and lead a high-performing team to deliver coordinated, timely and consistent advice on local development applications. Your leadership will help improve assessment processes, enhance service delivery and contribute to better outcomes for communities across NSW.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively; and deliver affordable and diverse housing.

We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and building the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

If this role sounds like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply with your CV and cover letter. Join us and help shape the future of planning in NSW while creating places and communities that make a lasting difference for people across the state.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Matthew Dwyer, Talent Acquisition Partner via matthew.dwyer@dphi.nsw.gov.au 

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 (02) 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Advertised: 06 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 20 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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