Darwin, Australia

Reference: 6939299

- Shape trusted legal, governance and elected member support for a dynamic capital city.
- Lead an experienced team and build capability across a high-profile executive function.
- Provide strategic advice directly to the Chief Executive Officer, Council and senior leaders.

About the role City of Darwin is seeking an experienced legal and governance executive to lead a critical function at the centre of Council decision-making, public accountability and elected member support. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and contributing as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategic outcomes, strengthen organisational governance and lead a capable team delivering high-quality legal, governance and executive support services across a complex local government environment. Key areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

- Provide executive-level legal and governance advice to the Chief Executive Officer, Office and the Lord Mayor and CEO, General Managers, Elected Members and key stakeholders.
- Lead, coach and develop a skilled multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, sound judgement and continuous improvement.
- Lead Council's legal operations, including engagement and oversight of external legal providers and counsel.
- Oversee legislative compliance, governance systems, delegations, registers, Council and Committee administration and elected member support.
- Manage sensitive matters, including elected member complaints, dispute resolution, politically sensitive correspondence and responses to external oversight bodies.
- Build trusted relationships across government,



local government peak bodies and community stakeholders to support effective advocacy and governance outcomes.

About you You will be a confident and credible senior leader with strong legal judgement, sound political acumen and demonstrated experience leading people in a complex, regulated environment. You will know how to set clear expectations, support performance, build capability and bring people with you through change. With a contemporary understanding of governance, compliance and statutory decision-making, you will be able to translate complex legal and legislative matters into clear, practical advice while creating a positive, values-led team culture built on trust, professionalism and service excellence.

To be successful in this role, you must have: -

- Admission, or eligibility for admission, as a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory.
- Eligibility to hold an unrestricted practising certificate in the Northern Territory.
- A minimum of three (3) years legal practice experience.
- A minimum of five (5) years' experience in compliance and governance within a regulated environment.
- A minimum of five (5) years' relevant supervisory or leadership experience.
- Ability to obtain a National Police Records Check and possession of a Class C Drivers Licence.

Working at City of Darwin At City of Darwin, we are passionate about delivering services,



leadership and advocacy that support a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive capital city. This is an prospect to step into a senior role where your legal expertise, governance leadership and ability to guide and empower people will make a tangible contribution to the organisation and the Darwin community.

If you are ready to lead a critical legal and governance function, support a capable team to do their best work and provide trusted advice at the highest levels, we would welcome your application. Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached position description.

Applicants who need assistance with our process or have any queries are encouraged to contact a member of our Talent team on 08 8930 0526.

To apply:

Applications will only be accepted via our website | City of Darwin Careers - Current Vacancies

City of Darwin Talent Acquisition Team can be contacted via:

- Phone: (08) 8930 0526
- Email: [email protected]

Applications close on Tuesday, 27October 2026. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted after the closing date.

We are looking forward to receiving your application if you are a direct applicant. Please note that we are not working with recruitment agencies for this position.

The City of Darwin is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. We encourage people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background to apply.

As part of Council's recruitment process, applicants may be required to undergo pre-employment assessments, such as a Medical Assessment, National Police Check and Psychometric Assessment.

Applications Close: 27 Oct 2026

📌 Executive Manager Legal & Governance (Darwin)
🏢 City of Darwin
📍 Darwin