As a Director, People & Culture you’ll lead the strategic and operational HR function across the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, guiding workforce planning, policy implementation, and people development. Daily you’ll oversee HR services, advise senior leaders, manage prioritised projects, and drive a constructive, inclusive culture that supports our mission to protect and enhance the Basin for generations to come.
| Job Title | Director, People & Culture |
|---|---|
| Vacancy Number | VN-0768289 |
| Position Number | 100214 & 101627 |
| Classification | Executive Level 2 |
| Salary | $147,387 – $173,702 per annum |
| Job Type | Full-Time; Part-Time, Ongoing; Non-Ongoing |
| Primary Locations | Adelaide SA, Albury NSW, Canberra ACT, Goondiwindi QLD, Griffith NSW, Mildura VIC, Murray Bridge SA |
| Future Merit Locations | Various locations – ACT, NSW, VIC, WA, QLD, TAS, NT, SA |
| Office Arrangement | Flexible |
| Office Arrangement Details | Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of this role. |
| Closing Date | Tuesday 21 April 2026 |
| Agency Website | https://www.mdba.gov.au/careers |
About the Opportunity
To apply your HR expertise at scale, you’ll partner with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief People Officer to lead the People and Culture function. You’ll shape workforce planning, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion initiatives while ensuring compliant, high‑quality HR services across the agency. The MDBA sits at the heart of Australia’s food corridor, balancing the Basin’s social, economic and environmental needs—your work will directly support communities and industries that rely on healthy rivers.
Joining during a pivotal period, you’ll help steer major programs aligned to the Basin Plan and River Murray operations. The role offers a strong opportunity to influence organisational capability, culture, and engagement, in an environment that values collaboration, transparency and impact. If you’re a decisive leader who thrives on coaching teams and delivering practical, defensible advice, this is your chance to contribute to rivers and communities now and for the future.
Duties (What You Will Do)
| Key Responsibilities | Specific Tasks |
|---|---|
| Lead HR services and advice | Direct teams delivering HR services; prioritise and manage delivery pressures; provide authoritative guidance to executives |
| Set priorities and standards | Define work plans, monitor progress, adjust as demands change |
| Build team capability | Coach, give feedback, provide technical guidance; handle complex or sensitive matters |
| Improve policies and systems | Streamline policies and processes to reduce delay and risk; ensure fit for purpose |
| Plan and oversee HR initiatives | Scope, prioritise, and align projects with agency needs |
| Partner with senior leaders | Understand workforce issues; provide clear, practical advice |
| Ensure APS compliance | Maintain practices in line with legislation, policy and values; withstand scrutiny |
| Prepare complex submissions | Draft briefs, submissions and correspondence on sensitive people matters |
| Exercise delegations | Apply sound judgement on HR and financial matters within the MDBA context |
About You (Eligibility)
- Australian Citizen
- Ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance
- Compliance with MDBA engagement requirements (including checks as applicable)
- Experience leading high‑impact HR services in a complex environment
Important Information for Applicants
This vacancy requires Australian citizenship and security clearance appropriate to the position. The MDBA participates in RecruitAbility; applicants may be invited to participate in additional assessment if they choose to apply under that scheme and meet minimum requirements. For more details visit the RecruitAbility page.
Note: This position is for Australian public service; it does not specify a visa category for foreigners. If you are not an Australian citizen, you should consider whether you have the right to work in Australia and the appropriate clearances before applying.
Eligibility
Directly addressing the keyword: jobs in australia for foreigners. The MDBA vacancy requires Australian citizenship and security clearance. In practice, foreign nationals typically need appropriate visas and work rights to be eligible; this role specifically states Australian citizenship is a requirement, so holders of the necessary visa to work in Australia who meet the security and engagement requirements may still be considered only if they meet citizenship criteria. If you’re unsure, please contact the agency to confirm eligibility for this role and any potential pathways.
Additional Information
Diversity & Inclusion
The MDBA values diverse backgrounds and inclusive practices that strengthen our organisation and communities.
RecruitAbility
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. If you declare a disability and meet minimum requirements, you may be invited to participate in further assessment. See https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability for details.
Future Merit Pools
Future merit pools may be established from this vacancy to fill similar roles across the agency.
How to Apply
| Contact Officer | Grant Buckley, 0448 887 328 |
|---|---|
| Candidate Kit | Candidate Kit |
| Application Portal | MDBA Careers |