Director, Human Resources
PSSE Band 1
- Permanent, full-time role – 35 hours per week
- Sydney Office (Haymarket) with flexible/hybrid work arrangements available
- Total remuneration package circa: $239,000
- Genuine opportunity to make impactful organisational change
About us
Legal Aid NSW provides legal services in civil, criminal and family law to people experiencing disadvantage across New South Wales.
About the role
Lead and develop Legal Aid NSW’s people and culture function to develop and implement strategies to support a strong, safe, respectful and inclusive workplace. As a member of the Executive Leadership Group, inspire Legal Aid NSW to provide innovative and best practice legal services, be a respectful and inclusive workplace, and make impactful changes to the
justice system.
About you
You are a strategic and experienced leader in people, culture and organisational development, with a passion for social justice and public service.
You have experience in delivering strategies that align with organisational goals in a timely and efficient manner.
You have deep knowledge of relevant regulations, policies and best practices, and can navigate complex environments, manage risk and enhance employee engagement.
You are skilled in leading organisational change, continuous improvement, and are committed to creating a positive work environment, where all employees feel inspired, valued and supported. You see the HR function as a critical lever to drive positive cultural change across the organisation.
WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN LEGAL AID NSW!
We are committed to diversity and inclusion
We are committed to creating a culturally safe and genuinely inclusive organisation and workplace for everyone who works and interacts with us. We strive to be a place where people from diverse backgrounds want to work, where voices and cultures are valued and where people feel valued, welcomed, respected and heard.
We want a workforce that reflects our clients, so we can deliver a service that meets the needs of the community. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds — including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, the LGBTQI+ community, culturally diverse people and other diverse communities.
We acknowledge, support and accommodate the diverse access needs of people with visible and invisible disabilities. If you need an adjustment to participate in the recruitment process, or you’d like information about what we can do to help you, please contact our team at erecruitment@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Other benefits of working with us
- You will have access to training, development and mentoring opportunities.
- We are an accredited Flex Ready and Carers and Employers certified employer and are recognised as leaders in flexible work. Most of our staff work flexibly — for example, from home some of the time or in a way that helps them balance family and work life
- Find out more at Working at Legal Aid NSW - https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/about-us/careers
The essential requirements for this role
You must:
- be willing to do a Criminal Record Check
- hold Australian or NZ citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency (for ongoing vacancies) or a valid visa to work in Australia (for temporary vacancies)
- live in NSW or willing to relocate to NSW
- relevant tertiary qualifications and demonstrated senior HR leadership experience
How to apply
You must submit your application online. Applications received late or by email, will not be accepted. Please make sure your application is complete, and that you have answered all questions before submitting.
Your application must include:
- your resume (no more than 5 pages)
- cover letter (no more than 2 pages). In your cover letter, please address the essential requirements and the following two (2) targeted questions:
Targeted Question 1: Describe a significant organisational change initiative you led. Outline the strategies you used to manage resistance and ensure successful implementation and how the impact of this change was measured.
Targeted Question 2: Legal Aid NSW values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Provide an example of how you have promoted these values in your current or most previous role. Outline the specific actions you took to create a more inclusive workplace, and the outcomes achieved.
Do you need help to apply?
If you have questions about the role, please reach out to Jess Lewy and Hannah Arnott, at Orchard Talent, via LegalAidNSW@orchardtalent.com.au or call 02 9157 6215.
If you are an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are thinking about applying, you can contact Legal Aid NSW Aboriginal Services Branch to arrange a confidential conversation about any questions you may have - aboriginalservices@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
The Role Description sets out the responsibilities and Focus Capabilities of the role.
The focus capabilities and key accountabilities in the role description indicate what is expected at that level. Being familiar with these will help you understand what the panel will be looking for in the successful candidate.
Applying for a role is a great NSW Government resource for helping you prepare your application - https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/applying-for-a-job
We may use this recruitment to create a talent pool for similar ongoing or temporary vacancies we have over the next 18 months.
Closing Date: Monday, 18 August 2025 at 11.59pm
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.