Principal Policy Officer

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Principal Policy Officer to join a highly respected government department dedicated to supporting victims and addressing the complex causes of youth crime. This role offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact by shaping policy and operational guidelines that directly influence the lives of vulnerable individuals across Queensland. You will be part of a collaborative, inclusive team that values diversity, cultural capability, and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous leave entitlements, and a strong commitment to staff wellbeing, this is an ideal environment for someone who thrives in a supportive workplace and is passionate about making a difference. The organisation invests in your ongoing learning and career development, ensuring you have every opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. * Join a purpose-driven team focused on supporting victims of violent crime and driving positive change within the community through evidence-based policy initiatives. * Benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous superannuation contributions, comprehensive leave entitlements, and access to ongoing training and career progression opportunities. * Work in an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, promotes equity, and provides robust support systems for employee wellbeing, including strategies to manage exposure to challenging content.

What you'll do:

As Principal Policy Officer, your day-to-day activities will centre around developing robust policies and operational guidelines that underpin consistent service delivery across the organisation. You will play a pivotal role in leading key projects from conception through implementation while ensuring all outputs are informed by rigorous research and stakeholder consultation. Your responsibilities will include drafting high-quality documentation tailored for diverse audiences within the organisation; providing insightful advice on policy reform; engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including statutory bodies, NGOs, community groups; monitoring project milestones; managing risks; and contributing positively to an inclusive workplace culture. Success in this position requires you to balance multiple priorities efficiently while maintaining meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of your work.

• Develop and manage multiple operational policy projects from inception through to successful implementation, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Draft clear, concise, and high-quality documents such as operational policies, practice guidelines, submissions, proposals, reports, fact sheets, and communiques to facilitate consistent communication across the organisation.
• Undertake thorough research and analysis to gather evidence that informs policy decisions and ensures an in-depth understanding of complex issues affecting service delivery.
• Provide expert policy advice on the impacts of proposed reforms for the organisation, considering both immediate needs and long-term strategic goals.
• Liaise and consult with internal stakeholders across all units as well as external government entities to ensure policy advice is comprehensive and considers all potential impacts.
• Engage with statutory bodies, non-government organisations, and community groups on policy matters to inform business improvements and enhance service delivery outcomes.
• Monitor project progress by reporting on status updates, managing risks effectively, and resolving issues promptly to ensure successful outcomes.
• Exercise sound judgement when managing competing priorities while collaborating closely with colleagues or working independently as required.
• Contribute actively to workplace equity, diversity, respect, and inclusion initiatives that enrich organisational culture.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as directed by supervisory or management staff in line with professional standards.

What you bring:

To excel as Principal Policy Officer you will bring proven expertise in managing multifaceted projects within a public sector or similar context. Your interpersonal skills will enable you to build trust-based relationships with colleagues at all levels as well as external partners. You should possess advanced written communication capabilities—demonstrating clarity in drafting policies or reports—and be comfortable prioritising tasks under pressure without sacrificing quality. Experience navigating ambiguity is essential; your thoughtful approach ensures effective problem-solving even when answers are not immediately clear. Organisational skills are critical for optimising workflows while reducing inefficiencies. Above all else your commitment to inclusivity means you actively contribute towards creating a respectful workplace where everyone feels valued regardless of background.

• Demonstrated experience managing complex policy projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards despite frequent interruptions or distractions.
• Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to produce logical, grammatically correct reports and documents tailored for various audiences.
• Proven ability to set accurate priorities reflecting the relative importance of tasks and responsibilities within a busy environment.
• Adept at navigating ambiguous circumstances by acting thoughtfully when solutions are not immediately apparent.
• Strong negotiation skills enabling you to exchange ideas effectively with others in order to formulate policies or reach shared conclusions.
• Excellent organisational abilities allowing you to systematically arrange material and information for optimal efficiency while minimising duplication of effort.
• Capacity to establish rapport quickly with colleagues and stakeholders by listening perceptively and conveying genuine awareness of their perspectives.
• Commitment to fostering workplace equity, diversity, respect, and inclusion through everyday actions that contribute positively to organisational culture.
• Relevant qualifications or substantial experience in policy development or project management will be highly regarded but are not mandatory.

What sets this company apart:

This department stands out for its unwavering dedication to community safety through early intervention programs, statutory youth justice services, victim support initiatives, and its holistic approach towards tackling youth crime. Employees benefit from an inclusive culture that genuinely respects human rights while celebrating diversity across all dimensions—gender identity, ethnicity, age groupings or family responsibilities. The organisation’s commitment extends beyond words: it offers flexible working arrangements designed around your needs; competitive remuneration packages including generous superannuation; ample leave provisions; structured pathways for career advancement; access to ongoing training opportunities; physical safety measures such as stand-up desks; psychosocial supports like no-cost employee assistance programs; plus robust strategies for managing exposure to potentially distressing content. Staff wellbeing is paramount here—with practical supports available so you can thrive both personally and professionally within a nurturing environment.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are encouraged to apply.
To apply, please click "Apply" or contact Ryan McCarthy on 07 3032 2253 or ryan.mccarthy@robertwalters.com.au for a confidential discussion.