Executive Director - Housing Policy and Projects

Make a real impact. Shape South Australia's housing future.

At the heart of our department is a clear and urgent mission: delivering homes and housing options for South Australians. In the face of a national housing shortfall, we're not sitting back - we are stepping up.

We're purposefully driving forward and fast-tracking the development of diverse and sustainable housing solutions. From policy to housing infrastructure to urban planning, our work is focused on creating vibrant, liveable communities that offer more than just a roof - they offer stability, security and opportunity.

This is meaningful work. It's complex, fast paced, and deeply rewarding. You'll be part of a team that's influencing real change - solving critical challenges, shaping policy and delivering outcomes that matter.

Now's the time to get involved. If you are ready to use your skills to drive social impact, be part of an ambitious and values-driven team, and help shape the future of housing in our state, we want to hear from you.

The Role:

The position of Executive Director Housing Policy is accountable to the Chief Executive and is responsible for defining and developing policy, strategy and delivery of initiatives to deliver on South Australia's obligations under the SA Housing Roadmap. The role requires strong cross-government relationships, genuine engagement with stakeholders and strong reporting functions to the Minister and the Department.

You will hold the following responsibilities:

• Lead the development and integration of current and future housing policies, strategies, and evidence-based programs to shape South Australia's housing priorities and ensure alignment with government objectives.
• Deliver high-level strategic data analysis and insights to inform housing outcomes, identify emerging trends, and forecast future housing needs to guide policy and program development.
• Foster genuine partnerships across the housing and urban development sector to co-design and implement a more responsive, inclusive, and sustainable housing system.
• Represent DHUD at key intergovernmental and state-level forums, including the State Housing Group and Housing Roadmap Working Group, to advocate for South Australia's housing needs and influence national housing agendas.
• Lead the coordination and implementation of the Housing Roadmap and other key initiatives, ensuring effective cross-portfolio engagement, resource prioritisation, and delivery of measurable outcomes.
• Provide authoritative advice to the Minister, Chief Executive, and senior leadership, while overseeing governance, reporting, and accountability frameworks to ensure transparency and compliance across housing program.

About You:

To be successful in this position, you must be able to demonstrate experience across the following key capabilities:

• Bringing extensive senior leadership experience in strategic housing policy, underpinned by formal qualifications in public policy and law, and a strong commitment to continuous professional development in housing reform and governance.
• Proven ability to lead complex policy and program initiatives within large government structures, leveraging high-level project and change management expertise to deliver innovative housing solutions that reflect contemporary practice and community need.

Exceptional stakeholder engagement and cross-sector collaboration skills, demonstrated through successful partnerships across government and industry, driving integrated housing strategies and influencing policy at local, state, and federal levels.

Special Conditions

• Successful applicants are required to obtain a satisfactory Department of Human Services Criminal History Check or National Police Check prior to employment. A renewal will be required every 3 years.
• Successful applicants are required to obtain an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency Negative Vetting Level 1 Security Clearance following employment.
• May be required to work out of normal hours from time to time.
• The position is offered for a 3-year term contract.