Drive meaningful child safety reform. Create lasting change.

At Sutherland Shire Council, we're looking for a passionate and strategic child safety professional to lead significant reform initiatives that will strengthen how we safeguard children, support our workforce and embed child-safe practices across one of NSW's largest local government organisations.

This is more than a policy role. It's an opportunity to challenge the status quo, shape best practice, and help build a culture where child safety is everyone's responsibility.

Reporting to the Senior Manager Early Education & Child Protection, you'll lead the delivery of our Early Education Child Safety Reform Program and drive the development of Council's renewed Child Safe Action Plan. Your work will influence organisational policy, governance, culture and practice for years to come.

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to lead child safety reform across one of NSW's largest councils.

You'll drive strategic initiatives that strengthen safeguarding practices, influence organisational decision-making and embed sustainable change across diverse services. Working closely with leaders and subject matter experts, you'll help shape how child safety is understood, governed and delivered across the organisation.

From leading policy and governance reform to strengthening child-safe systems, risk management and workforce capability, you'll have the opportunity to deliver meaningful improvements that support better outcomes for children, young people and families across our community.

About You

You're someone who sees child safety as more than compliance.

You are driven by the opportunity to improve systems, influence practice and deliver meaningful outcomes for children and families.



You're comfortable navigating complexity, building relationships across diverse stakeholder groups and translating legislation, standards and policy into practical, measurable change.

You'll bring:

- Qualifications in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Social Work, Community Services, Public Policy, Governance or a related discipline
- Demonstrated experience leading child safety, safeguarding, governance, policy or organisational reform projects
- Strong knowledge of child safety obligations, safeguarding frameworks and risk management practices
- Highly developed analytical, project management and policy development skills
- Experience building relationships and influencing outcomes across complex stakeholder groups
- Exceptional written communication skills, including policy development, reporting and executive-level briefings
- A current Working with Children Check (for paid employment)

Experience within local government, early education or another complex multi-service organisation will be highly regarded.

Why Join Us?

At Sutherland Shire Council, you'll be part of a purpose-driven organisation committed to creating safer environments for children and young people. You'll work alongside passionate professionals, enjoy genuine organisational support for reform, and have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact through work that matters.





Join our Team and Grow with Us!

If you are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role that makes a real difference in the community, apply now to join our team at Sutherland Shire Council!

- Apply by uploading a cover letter and your resume outlining why we are a great fit!
- Get your application in by 11.59pm: Monday 23rd November 2026.
- Interview date: Interviews will be facilitated within 2 weeks of job ad closing.
- Package: $111,776 - $124,574 gross p.a. plus 12% superannuation.
- Hours of work: Temporary Full Time (Opportunity is expected to be available for up to 2 years.) Working 35 hours per week. You will have the option of a 19 day month with Council's ADO system (Accrued Day Off).
- To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

Suitable candidates are subject to pre-employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks, and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Renae Giles, Senior Manager Early Education & Child Protection ******@ssc.nsw.gov.au for any job specific enquiries.
Jodi Johnson, Talent Acquisition Business Partner ********@ssc.nsw.gov.au can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Click on the link to check out the Position Description

Council is a Child Secure Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government’s Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.

📌 Child Safety Policy & Project Specialist (Sutherland)
🏢 Sutherland Shire Council
📍 Sutherland