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Deputy Director-General/Chief Operating Officer

Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services
and Child Safety

Lead large-scale human services delivery and reform to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families across Queensland.

The Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety is a large and complex Queensland Government agency delivering critical human services across the state. With a workforce of over 6,000 and a significant investment in community services, the department works in partnership with funded organisations, government agencies and communities to support the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of children, young people, families, seniors and people with disability.


Its child and family programs play a vital role in preventing harm, strengthening families and providing protection where needed. The department is committed to building an inclusive, culturally capable and high-performing public service that empowers people and communities to thrive.

The opportunity


This is a rare and career-defining opportunity to lead frontline child and family service delivery in Queensland during a period of significant reform, transformation and public focus. With increased visibility comes the chance to influence real and lasting change in how services are delivered, governed and experienced by vulnerable children, families and communities.

The Department is seeking a Deputy Director-General / Chief Operating Officer to lead its Service Delivery – Child and Family division. Reporting to the Director-General and leading a broad team across six regions and central office functions, this role is responsible for driving integrated, high-quality service delivery and practice across child protection, family support, and related programs statewide.


Key responsibilities:

  • Lead strategic and operational delivery of services across Queensland, including reform and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Build capability and performance across internal teams and funded services, ensuring alignment with government priorities.
  • Provide trusted advice to the Minister and Director-General on practice, investment, and systems reform.
  • Foster a high-performing, inclusive and culturally capable workforce and service system.

About you


You are a proven executive leader with experience in large-scale human services delivery, ideally within government and in child protection or family support. You bring strong strategic, operational and stakeholder management skills, and a track record of leading reform in complex, high-impact environments. You demonstrate a deep commitment to cultural capability, service excellence, and achieving better outcomes for vulnerable Queenslanders.


Relevant tertiary qualifications will be highly regarded.

What’s on Offer

 

  • Work for an employer that helps vulnerable people within our community
  • Senior Executive Service (SES4 High) contract up to five years
  • Total fixed remuneration of $353,824 - $386,465
  • Lead critical human services reforms impacting communities statewide
  • Supportive, values-led leadership and inclusive workplace culture
  • Flexible working arrangements and professional development

The department provides access to an employee assistance program and a range of learning and development opportunities. Your employment experience with the department will include work-life balance with flexible working options such as flexible start times and telecommuting, competitive salary and benefits (including up to 12.75 per cent superannuation contributions by your employer), generous leave entitlements, career progression opportunities and the chance to make a difference to the people and communities of Queensland.


The department is committed to building an inclusive culture that respects and promotes human rights and diversity. We respectfully journey together to aspire to be the most culturally capable agency in the nation. We are an inclusive, equal employment opportunity employer and place value on our diverse workforce. We encourage applicants representing all genders, ethnicities, ages, languages, sexual orientations, and people with disability or family responsibilities to apply.

How to apply


For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Adam Dent or Sarah Curran on 07 3077 5166 or at  dfsdscs@orchardtalent.com.au.


To be considered for this role, you will need to provide the following information for assessment of your suitability:

  • a statement not more than two pages, that summarises your skills, experience and achievements against the leadership competencies/capabilities and duties/responsibilities
  • a current resume containing details of 2 referees. At least one referee should have a thorough knowledge of your work over the past two years as your manager or supervisor.


Applications close on 31 August 2025 at 11:55pm

Apply now