Corrective Services NSW has embarked on one of its largest leadership restructures in recent memory, opening up 18 senior executive positions across service delivery, programs, policy, infrastructure and custody operations. These roles span everything from offender rehabilitation and high-risk operations to media and communications, infrastructure planning and community supervision. It’s an unprecedented opportunity for experienced leaders from within government and the private sector to help shape the future of corrections in NSW.
With so many roles advertised at once, it signals a clear appetite for fresh thinking and new staff at the executive level. All positions are going and offer attractive total remuneration packages starting from around $225 k and climbing to nearly $300 k. Whether your expertise lies in policy, project delivery, high-risk operations, community engagement or HR, there is likely a role that aligns with your background. Don’t limit yourself to one – the panels understand that many skills are transferable, and applying for multiple positions can improve your odds while demonstrating your enthusiasm to contribute.
When preparing your applications, remember that evidence matters more than effort. Tailor each CV (aim for three pages) and each cover letter (two pages) to the specific role. If a job ad doesn’t specify document length or mention targeted questions, prepare a concise CV and cover letter anyway and start your application early so you can preview the online form for additional instructions. Use different examples and strengths for each application – similar roles may be reviewed by the same panel, so repeating yourself weakens your case. You can use our free NSW Government cover letter template to get started quickly.
How to structure your executive application
Preparing a compelling executive application is not about how much effort you expend; it’s about providing concrete evidence that you are the best fit for the role. Every submission should be tailored to the specific position you’re applying for. If a job ad doesn’t specify document lengths or mention targeted questions, still prepare a concise CV (around three pages) and a two-page cover letter. Start your application early so you can preview the online form and uncover any additional instructions.
Use different examples and strengths for each application—similar roles may be reviewed by the same panel, so repeating yourself weakens your case. Our free NSW Government cover letter template can help you structure your evidence using the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. Below are the key elements of a strong executive cover letter and CV.
Application requirements – Cover letter
Cover letter: Keep it to two pages and focus on quality over quantity by selecting two or three STAR examples that align with the role’s requirements. Start with a punchy opening that introduces who you are, why you’re applying and the unique value you bring. Use the STAR structure to briefly describe the situation and task, then detail the actions you took and the results achieved, quantifying outcomes wherever possible. Tailor each letter to the specific capabilities listed in the advertisement and avoid recycling the same examples across multiple roles. Conclude by reaffirming your enthusiasm and readiness to contribute at the executive level.
Application requirements – CV
CV: Aim for around three pages to provide enough detail without overwhelming the reader. Open with a professional summary that highlights your leadership experience, core strengths and alignment to Corrective Services NSW’s mission. Focus on achievements by using concise bullet points that emphasise outcomes, metrics and impact rather than merely listing duties. Structure your CV to mirror the capability frameworks used in government recruitment, reflecting competencies such as strategy, collaboration, operational excellence and ethical leadership. Maintain clarity and consistency with simple, plain language and a clean, consistent format to make your CV easy to read and assess.
STAR examples for executives
The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) framework helps you provide concise, evidence-based examples in your executive applications. Start by outlining the situation and task, then explain the specific actions you took and conclude with the measurable results. Use this structure in both your cover letter and CV to demonstrate impact.
For example, imagine you inherited a high-risk correctional facility with rising incidents and low staff morale. Your task was to improve safety and culture. You established a cross-disciplinary task force, implemented new training and performance systems, and partnered with unions and external experts. Within twelve months, incident rates fell by 30 %, staff engagement improved and the facility became a model for best practice. Framing your achievement in this way makes it easy for the panel to understand your contribution and the results you delivered.
Below you’ll find a summary of each role, including key responsibilities, locations, remuneration ranges and what to highlight in your application. With applications closing as soon as 19 March 2026 for most roles (and 22 March 2026 for HR Business Partner), there’s no time to waste.
Jump to a Role
- Director Service Industries
- Director Service and Program Development
- Director Strategic Policy & Operations
- Director Media and Communications
- Director HR Business Partner
- Director Contracts & Compliance
- Director Service and Program Delivery
- Director Enterprise Projects & Strategy
- Group Director Capability & Delivery
- Director High Risk & Countering Violent Extremism (CVE)
- Director Culture, Risk & Compliance
- Director Community – Southern & Northern Regions
- Director Infrastructure Capacity, Planning & Construction Services
- Commander Court Escort Security Unit
- Commander Custody
- Commander Operational Systems & Integrity
- Commander Reintegration & Work Readiness
- Commander Women’s Corrections Services
1) Director Service Industries
Based in Windsor and Parramatta, this role oversees all service industry operations within Corrective Services NSW, including food, textiles, laundry, logistics, buy-ups and commercial services. You’ll set strategic direction for these enterprises, ensure operations support safe and efficient correctional environments and deliver value for money. Expect to manage large budgets, commercial contracts and a diverse workforce while driving innovation and best practice.
- Executive-level experience leading large, complex operational or service-delivery portfolios in high-risk or dynamic environments.
- Strong commercial, operational and compliance expertise, including experience with food safety, logistics, textiles or similar multifaceted service industries.
- Proven ability to lead dispersed workforces, drive performance and embed high-quality service standards across multiple operational sites.
- Highly developed communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, able to shape outcomes across diverse internal and external partners.
- A commitment to ethical leadership, cultural safety, inclusion and high-performance environments, supported by relevant qualifications and experience.
2) Director Service and Program Development
Located in Parramatta, this role designs, accredits and evaluates offender programs across custody and community settings. You’ll lead research and evidence-based development of rehabilitation and reintegration services, ensuring programs meet diverse needs and deliver measurable outcomes. The role requires strong collaboration with practitioners, academics and partner agencies to embed best practice and continuous improvement.
- Senior-level expertise in developing, evaluating or managing offender programs, behavioural change interventions or rehabilitative service models.
- Strong ability to translate research, data and practice evidence into effective programs and standards that improve outcomes and reduce reoffending.
- Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-disciplinary teams and driving program, policy or practice reform in large operational environments.
- Highly developed strategic thinking, communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence senior decision-makers.
- A commitment to ethical leadership, cultural safety, inclusion and high-performance environments, supported by relevant qualifications and experience.
3) Director Strategic Policy & Operations
This Parramatta-based position leads strategic planning and operational coordination across Corrective Services NSW. You’ll develop long-term policy directions, coordinate service strategies between custodial and community corrections and drive reforms that improve performance and outcomes. The role involves high-level stakeholder engagement, performance reporting and governance.
- Senior-level expertise in operational leadership, strategic policy or system-wide service delivery within criminal justice or similarly complex environments.
- Strong capacity to lead reform, analyse performance, manage risk and deliver operational improvements across dispersed and high-risk service settings.
- Highly developed stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence across senior executive and cross-agency networks.
- Demonstrated leadership capability with experience managing teams, driving cultural uplift and supporting high performance, accountability and professional growth.
- A commitment to ethical leadership, cultural safety, inclusion and high-performance environments, supported by relevant qualifications and experience.
4) Director Media and Communications
Based in Parramatta, this role sets the strategic direction of all media and communications activities. You’ll manage crisis communications, oversee internal and external channels, build positive media relationships and protect the agency’s reputation. The position also involves advising the Commissioner, executive team and Minister’s office on communication strategies.
- Executive-level experience leading media, communications or public affairs in large, high-risk or politically sensitive environments.
- Exceptional judgement and the ability to manage complex, fast-moving issues with professionalism, accuracy and strategic clarity.
- Strong capability influencing senior leaders and working closely with Ministers’ offices on high-stakes communications matters.
- Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and deliver impactful media, digital and internal communications that support organisational goals.
- A commitment to ethical leadership, cultural safety, inclusion and high-performance environments, supported by relevant experience and qualifications.
5) Director HR Business Partner
Two positions are available in Parramatta for senior HR leaders who can drive workforce planning and organisational change. You’ll partner with executives to shape workforce strategy, manage talent and performance, oversee industrial relations and support culture change initiatives across the organisation.
- Extensive executive experience leading HR business partnering or HR service delivery functions in large, complex organisations.
- Proven ability to develop and execute HR strategies that support organisational change, workforce planning and talent management.
- Strong understanding of industrial relations, employment legislation and risk management in high-risk or unionised environments.
- Demonstrated success in partnering with senior leaders to shape culture, drive capability uplift and manage organisational change projects.
- A commitment to ethical leadership, cultural safety, inclusion and high-performance environments, supported by relevant qualifications.
6) Director Contracts & Compliance
Operating out of Parramatta, this role oversees the governance and monitoring of privately operated correctional centres and other contracted services. You’ll ensure contractual integrity, lead performance monitoring and manage transitions of public–private partnerships. Expect to liaise closely with providers, legal advisors and senior executives to uphold standards and drive value for money.
- Demonstrated expertise leading large-scale operational transitions, complex contract governance and high-risk contract environments.
- Proven capability in overseeing contracted or private-operator service delivery.
- Strong experience managing diverse stakeholder groups, including senior executives, contracted providers and partner agencies.
- High-level strategic analysis, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Advanced communication, negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to navigate sensitive issues and build productive, trusted relationships.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience with high-value contracts, risk assessment and performance frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams, build capability and foster a culture of professionalism, integrity and continuous improvement.
- A commitment to ethical leadership, cultural safety, inclusion and high-performance environments.
7) Director Service and Program Delivery
This position, based in Parramatta, leads the statewide delivery of offender programs, psychological services, welfare and crisis support. You’ll ensure consistency and quality across multiple disciplines, manage staff capability and drive service innovation that reduces reoffending and improves wellbeing.
- Executive-level experience leading large and complex service or program delivery or offender intervention environments.
- Deep understanding of rehabilitative practice, behavioural change models and service delivery frameworks in custodial and community contexts.
- Proven capability in leading dispersed multidisciplinary teams and driving cultural, practice and operational uplift.
- Strong strategic, analytical and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence across complex operational settings.
- A commitment to ethical leadership, cultural safety, inclusion and high-performance environments, supported by relevant qualifications and professional experience.
8) Director Enterprise Projects & Strategy
Working from Parramatta, you’ll set the strategic direction for the agency’s long-term priorities and manage a portfolio of enterprise-wide projects. The role requires leading project governance, aligning initiatives with organisational strategy and providing high-level advice to the Commissioner and executive team.
- Proven executive experience leading large strategy, reform or transformation programs.
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and navigate politically sensitive and complex issues.
- Capability managing enterprise project portfolios with strong governance, risk management and delivery discipline.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills to build alignment and momentum.
- Record of building high-performing teams and driving strategic clarity across organisations.
- Commitment to ethical leadership, cultural safety, inclusion and high-performance environments.
9) Group Director Capability & Delivery
This senior role, located in Parramatta, drives the uplift of capability across Corrective Services NSW. You’ll shape performance reporting, embed integrated governance and develop frameworks and initiatives to build leadership and operational capability across all directorates.
- Extensive senior executive experience leading strategy, capability uplift or program performance in large organisations.
- Strong expertise in performance reporting, governance and risk management frameworks.
- Demonstrated ability to lead large, geographically dispersed teams and drive cultural and capability uplift.
- Highly developed strategic, analytical and influencing skills to shape priorities across government and industry.
- Commitment to ethical leadership, cultural safety, inclusion and high-performance environments.
10) Director High Risk & Countering Violent Extremism (CVE)
Based in Parramatta, this role manages high-risk offender cohorts, including terrorist, violent and serious sex offenders. You’ll lead intelligence-informed strategies, oversee specialist programs and ensure decisions about high-risk individuals are evidence-based, consistent and focused on public safety.
- Executive-level experience leading high-risk or specialist offender management portfolios in corrections or policing.
- Exceptional decision-making skills and sound judgement in politically sensitive, time-critical situations.
- Proven success managing specialised workforces and driving capability uplift in complex environments.
- Outstanding communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working closely with intelligence agencies and law enforcement partners.
- Commitment to ethical leadership, security and probity requirements, supported by relevant qualifications and clearances.
11) Director Culture, Risk & Compliance
This Parramatta-based position sets the strategic direction for workplace culture, wellbeing, risk and compliance. You’ll oversee staff support services, manage internal legal matters, embed safe work practices and drive cultural change initiatives that support a high-performance, inclusive environment.
- Proven leadership in shaping workplace culture, staff wellbeing and workforce risk strategies in high-risk environments.
- Ability to navigate sensitive workforce matters and support dispersed teams dealing with trauma, fatigue and safety risks.
- Strong strategic, analytical and decision-making capability to build high-performing, compliant teams.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills to influence across all organisational levels.
- Commitment to ethical leadership, diversity, inclusion and culturally safe work environments.
12) Director Community – Southern & Northern Regions
Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner and based in Sydney with statewide travel, this role leads community corrections performance across southern and northern regions. You’ll provide regional strategic direction, oversee community-based supervision and rehabilitation, manage operational risks and build strong relationships with courts, police, health and community partners.
- Senior operational leader with extensive criminal justice and community or custodial practice experience.
- Track record of leading large, diverse and geographically dispersed teams in high-risk environments.
- Demonstrated ability to build high-performance cultures and deliver service excellence across regions.
- Experience managing competing priorities, sensitive issues and significant budgets with sound financial acumen.
- Highly developed communication and negotiation skills and ability to build partnerships with courts, police, health and community services.
- Strategic thinker with experience driving reforms and regional planning, and committed to ethical leadership and inclusion.
13) Director Infrastructure Capacity, Planning & Construction Services
Based in Windsor and Parramatta, this role drives strategic planning and delivery of prison infrastructure. You’ll align long-term capacity needs with operational requirements, oversee capital works and maintenance programs, strengthen commercial operations and influence future investment across Corrective Services NSW.
- Executive-level experience leading infrastructure planning, capital works or large-scale operational portfolios in complex environments.
- Strategic and analytical capability to translate population, demographic and operational demands into long-term infrastructure direction.
- Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams and managing budgets with a focus on performance, compliance and value for money.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills to influence across government, industry and community partners.
- Commitment to ethical leadership, cultural safety, inclusion and high-performance environments.
14) Commander Court Escort Security Unit
This Sydney-based role (other locations negotiable) leads the Court Escort Security Unit, providing safe, efficient custody and escort services across court complexes and correctional centres. You’ll develop statewide strategies, manage budgets, mentor senior managers and strengthen operational consistency, intelligence and governance across sites.
- Experience managing complex correctional or security environments, including court cell operations and escort services.
- Proven ability to lead large, geographically dispersed teams in high-risk and regulated settings.
- Track record of managing competing priorities, stakeholder expectations and operational budgets.
- Strategic thinker with experience developing operational strategies and driving continuous improvement and intelligence-led services.
- Highly developed communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills to work with courts, police and service providers.
- Commitment to ethical practice, transparency and collaborative problem-solving.
15) Commander Custody
Leading multiple correctional centres from a Sydney base (with travel), you’ll ensure safe, secure and effective custody services. Responsibilities include shaping centre operations to meet inmate needs, contributing to statewide planning, managing budgets and resources, mentoring senior managers and driving continuous improvement across facilities.
- Senior leadership experience overseeing multiple correctional centres or detention facilities in high-risk, regulated environments.
- Proven ability to lead large, diverse teams and manage budgets and resources while ensuring safety, security and service quality.
- Experience operating under public and political scrutiny, with a track record of delivering reforms and improvements.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills to work with courts, police, communities and staff.
- Strong financial management and strategic planning capabilities to manage competing priorities and allocate resources effectively.
- Commitment to ethical leadership, staff development and high-performance custodial services.
16) Commander Operational Systems & Integrity
Based in Parramatta, this position leads a specialist team responsible for operational reviews, information gathering and enforcement across Corrective Services NSW. You’ll conduct high-quality reviews, maintain a system-wide register of operational issues, provide rapid advice to senior executives and ensure transparent reporting and problem-solving. The role also oversees directorate performance, budgets and compliance.
- Demonstrated leadership in high-risk operational environments, such as corrections, policing or justice.
- Proven capability ensuring integrity, compliance and operational performance across complex systems.
- Strong knowledge of regulatory and legislative frameworks governing corrections and public safety.
- Experience leading investigations and reviews, including information collection, risk analysis, case management and interpreting legislation.
- Expertise in operational systems governance and assurance, with highly developed communication and influencing skills.
- Strong financial and resource management capability and commitment to ethical practice, transparency and accountability.
17) Commander Reintegration & Work Readiness
Located in Windsor and Parramatta, this role leads programs, services and partnerships that support education, training and employment pathways for people in custody and under community supervision. You’ll oversee correctional and residential centres, ensure program delivery aligns with safety and rehabilitation goals, and collaborate with employers, industry and community partners to strengthen reintegration outcomes.
- Strong experience managing reintegration, education, training or employment programs for offenders or other complex populations.
- Capability to lead large, diverse teams across multiple sites and develop managers to deliver high-quality services.
- Experience operating in high-risk and highly scrutinised environments, balancing security, rehabilitation and stakeholder expectations.
- Strategic thinker who contributes to planning and reform agendas and builds partnerships across government, industry and community sectors.
- Highly developed communication skills and ability to negotiate and collaborate with employers, training providers and service partners.
- Sound financial management and resource oversight, with a commitment to ethical practice, cultural capability and inclusivity.
18) Commander Women’s Corrections Services
Based in Sydney (other locations negotiable), this role leads a statewide strategy for women’s corrections across custody and community settings. You’ll develop and deliver high-quality services, ensure programs are rehabilitative and reintegration-focused, manage budgets and resources, mentor senior managers and oversee continuous improvement and stakeholder relationships.
- Extensive experience in corrective services or similar complex operational environments, including leadership of dispersed workforces.
- Strong understanding of custodial and community corrections operations, particularly women’s needs, trauma-informed practice and gender-responsive rehabilitation.
- Proven ability to lead in high-risk, regulated environments and manage competing priorities and stakeholder expectations.
- Strategic thinker with experience contributing to operational strategies and reforms to improve outcomes for women in custody and community.
- Highly developed communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build partnerships across government and community sectors.
- Strong financial acumen managing substantial budgets and resources, and a commitment to ethical leadership, inclusion and high-performance environments.
Ready to Step Up?
This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to join Corrective Services NSW at the executive level.
With 18 ongoing roles open at once, you can multiply your chances by applying for all positions where you’re genuinely competitive.
Join the 3Thirty Shortlist Plan to get professional help across three applications for $299. We craft your CV and cover letters, align your examples to each capability and make sure every application is tailored and error-free.
These roles close in just a few days, so act now. Our former government hiring managers know what panels look for and how to make your application stand out.
The result: An application that is clear, compliant and competitive.