Shape policy, funding and reform with statewide impact Influence the future of local government across Queensland Flexible location | SES Executive Leadership Role Queensland's local governments are at the forefront of some of the state's most significant opportunities and challenges, from population growth and housing to infrastructure, resilience and community wellbeing.
As communities evolve and expectations increase, the partnership between state and local government has never been more important.
The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers is seeking an exceptional executive leader to shape the future of local government across Queensland.
As Deputy Director-General, Local Government, you will lead the State's engagement with 77 councils, influence statewide policy and funding decisions, and help strengthen the capability, sustainability and effectiveness of the sector.
This is a role for a leader who is comfortable operating at the intersection of government, communities, policy and delivery.
You will work directly with councils, mayors, chief executives, peak bodies and senior government stakeholders to strengthen local government capability and support better outcomes for Queensland communities.
About the Department The Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers exists to create resilient and connected Queensland communities.
It does this through its work to empower the local government sector, grow economic development opportunities by boosting water affordability and availability and partnering with the volunteering sector to remove barriers, support growth, and uplift capability.
The Opportunity Reporting to the Director-General and as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will lead a diverse, statewide division responsible for local government policy, governance, funding programs,



sector capability and strategic stakeholder engagement.
Key priorities include: Leading Queensland's partnership with the local government sector.
Providing strategic advice to the Minister, Director-General and Government.
Overseeing significant funding and grant programs that support community outcomes.
Supporting legislative reform, governance, integrity and sector sustainability.
Championing the Equal Partners in Government Agreement and collaborative approaches with councils.
Building productive relationships across local, state and national levels of government.
The Division plays a critical role in helping councils address real-world challenges, strengthen organisational capability, deliver important community infrastructure and maintain strong governance and financial management practices.
About You You are an experienced executive leader with a demonstrated ability to operate effectively in complex stakeholder environments.
You combine strategic thinking with practical judgement and bring credibility when engaging with elected representatives, chief executives, government leaders and community stakeholders.
You will likely offer: Experience working within, alongside or closely with local government.
A deep understanding of the policy, governance and operating environment of the public sector.
Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing capability.
Experience leading large,



multidisciplinary teams through complexity and change.
The ability to provide high-quality strategic advice on politically sensitive and high-profile matters.
A team-oriented leadership style that builds trust, capability and accountability.
Most importantly, you will share a commitment to empowering local governments to lead their communities and helping deliver sustainable outcomes for Queenslanders.
Why This Role Matters Few executive opportunities offer such direct influence on the future of Queensland's communities.
Whether supporting growing regional centres, responding to infrastructure pressures, strengthening council capability or helping communities navigate change, local government plays a critical role in delivering outcomes where Queenslanders live, work and invest.
This role sits at the centre of that effort.
It provides a rare opportunity to shape the relationship between state and local government, influence statewide policy and reform, and support councils to meet both today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.
For an executive motivated by public impact, collaborative leadership and system-wide influence, this is one of Queensland's most significant local government leadership appointments.
Please visit the detailed candidate page for further information and to apply: *********************************************> Confidential inquiries to: Kerry Larkin, Senior Associate, Luminary, on ************ General inquiries to : ******************************** Applications close: Midnight 11 October **** Luminary is committed to storing and utilising your information in accordance with the Privacy Act ****.
For further information regarding this please visit: *****************************************************>

📌 Deputy Director-General, Local Government (Queensland)
🏢 Luminary Partners
📍 Queensland