Director, Planning

Job type
Non-Ongoing, Full time
Branch
Planning & Design
Classification
Executive Level 2
Position number
468
Closing date
19 August 2026
Immediate supervisor
Chief Planner
Salary range
$140,675.00 to $177,846.00
Security clearance
Baseline
Eligibility

Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS). All applicants offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements. The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Baseline level. The successful applicant/s must be willing to share all relevant and required information.


The NCA encourages and welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with Disability, LGBTQI+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature aged people.

Vacancy Information

This recruitment process will be used fill an initial vacancy on a non-ongoing basis. A merit pool of suitable candidates may be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies that should become available over the next 18 month period.

To apply for the role

Please email Recruitment@nca.gov.au the following documents:

  • Resume
  • Completed NCA Cover Sheet (see Attachments)
  • One-page pitch outlining how your skills and experience are relevant to the role (Maximum 800 words). Please consider the job description/duties when developing your one-page pitch.

Incomplete applications may affect the ability to assess suitability for the role.

Who we are

The Planning branch actively supports the key statutory objectives of the National Capital Authority (NCA). The team manages and implements the National Capital Plan (NCP) to ensure that the relevant parts of Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory are planned and developed in accordance with their national significance. The planning team is responsible for strategic planning and policy work as well as providing advice on proposals and assessing and determining applications to undertake works in designated areas. 

The work of this team includes preparation of amendments to the NCP, development control plans, and managing various proposals presented to the NCA. The team works closely with other parts of the NCA and also works closely with external stakeholders, in particular the ACT government.

Duties

The Director of Planning will lead a team that undertakes statutory (works approvals) and strategic planning functions. The successful candidate will play a key role, working to the Chief Planner, in shaping and delivering best practice planning and design support consistent with the vision and intentions of the NCP.  

  1. Provide leadership to the team, including:
    1. motivate and encourage individual and team performance and commitment;
    2. provide clear direction on required outcomes, including quality reviews of work;  and
    3. support the ongoing development of team members .

  2. Provide practical and strategic planning advice to the Authority, Chief Planner and NCA staff.

  3. Undertake planning policy work and reviews including developing and providing verbal and written advice on planning and urban development policies and practices, statutory planning controls and procedures within the context of the relevant legislation and the National Capital Plan.
  4. Undertake day-to-day administration and maintenance of the National Capital Plan, including preparation of strategic reviews and studies, amendments and development control plans.
  5. Exercise delegated authority for works approvals with emphasis on major development projects within the Central National Area. Supervise and lead staff and manage the works approval process consistent with the legislative requirements and provisions of the National Capital Plan. 
  6. Effectively plan and manage financial and human resources, risk and compliance for the section in accordance with relevant legislative and policy requirements.
  7. Liaise with government and non-government organisations and with the community and industry groups on a range of planning and related matters. Represent the NCA at relevant meetings and events. 
  8. Participate as a constructive member of the National Capital Authority and provide reasonable support with branch and organisation functions as required.
Qualifications/Mandatory Requirements
  • Degree qualifications in planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture or a related discipline are required. 
  • Ability to gain and maintain a security classification of Baseline is mandatory. 
Preferred experience
  • Demonstrated record of achievement in leading multi-disciplinary planning teams and programs is desirable. 
  • Experience working in a regulatory role, planning or otherwise, is desirable.
  • Experience working with the public sector is expected.
Selection Criteria

  1. Demonstrated ability to provide advice on planning, urban policy and development and land use.

  2. Demonstrated ability to manage and deliver large-scale planning processes and projects.

  3. Demonstrated ability to communicate with people from a wide range of backgrounds.

  4. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, manage and lead teams.

  5. Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and negotiations.

Attachments
PN468 - Director, Planning - Job Vacancy Pack
NCA Application Cover Sheet.docx

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region.

We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

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