Director Water Strategy & Projects

The Director Water Strategy & Projects drives the delivery of priority projects that deliver water management outcomes across NSW and leads ongoing implementation and evaluation of the suite of NSW water strategies. This includes leading reform projects that support effective delivery of statutory water management functions and identifying and responding strategically to emerging risks. The role advises Ministers, Executive governance committees and central agencies on water strategy and strategic water reform issues.

Key accountabilities include:

• Lead delivery of strategic water policy, reform and priority programs that support government objectives and improved water management outcomes.
• Drive performance, risk and outcomes reporting across NSW water strategies to inform decision-making and demonstrate value.
• Build and maintain partnerships across government, industry and communities to support collaboration, consultation and reform delivery.
• Develop and oversee reform implementation plans, governance processes and whole-of-government coordination for water strategy and reform priorities.
• Provide expert advice, briefings and recommendations to Ministers and senior executives on strategic water policy, reform and emerging issues.

Key challenges will be:

• Providing strategic advice and reform solutions in complex environments with limited information, legislative constraints and competing stakeholder views.
• Managing a diverse and often contentious portfolio, balancing water-use priorities while addressing emerging economic, environmental and community risks.

• Demonstrated experience in leading development and implementation of strategies or delivery of reform in a highly contentious stakeholder environment.
• Expert in undertaking complex stakeholder negotiations and management.

• Proven leadership experience in water resources management or similar sector.
• Demonstrated experience in reform and/or strategy delivery.

For more information read the full Role Description: Director Water Strategy & Projects

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Ty Brennock via ty.brennock@dcceew.nsw.gov.au. 

A recruitment 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.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability  
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Ty Brennock via ty.brennock@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0400 231 505 (please mention reference number 551770).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn. 

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Advertised: 04 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 17 Aug 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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