Department for Child Protection
Job reference: 842909
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Role Status: Full-time term vacancy available until 1 June 2028.
Remuneration: SM1 ($139,535 per annum)

Role Details:

Do you want to lead work that improves outcomes for children and young people in care through meaningful partnerships and system collaboration?

The Department for Child Protection is seeking a Senior Manager to lead the Strategic Partnerships and Engagement function within the Strategic Policy, Partnerships and Reform (SPPR) directorate.

This role is responsible for driving a strategic, outward-facing partnerships approach that strengthens access to health, education and social inclusion opportunities for children and young people in care. Working across government and with key external partners, you will lead collaboration, influence system-level outcomes and deliver initiatives that support connection, participation and belonging.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the development and stewardship of strategic partnerships across government, non-government and community sectors.
• Drive cross-agency collaboration to improve access to services and opportunities.
• Influence system-level outcomes through engagement, negotiation and representation.
• Design and deliver initiatives that support participation, inclusion and wellbeing.
• Provide strategic advice to senior executives on complex and emerging issues.
• Lead and support a high-performing, collaborative team.

About You:

• You are a strategic and influential leader with experience building partnerships and driving outcomes in complex environments.
• You bring strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to align diverse interests and navigate ambiguity.
• You are outcome-focused, with sound judgement and a collaborative leadership style that enables others to perform at their best.
• You have experience working within or alongside human services systems, and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.

Why Join Us:

SPPR leads reform across the Department for Child Protection, influencing policy, legislation, practice and partnerships across the child protection system. In this role, you will lead high-impact partnership work, contribute to system-level change and work with a diverse range of stakeholders who share a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. You will be supported to think strategically, innovate and lead work that makes a meaningful difference.

Why You’ll Love It Here - Perks That Matter:

At DCP, these are just some of the benefits you will enjoy:

• A collaborative team environment, working alongside people who are committed to best practice and making a meaningful impact.
• Flexible working options with tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life.
• Paid Parental and Partner Leave – additional paid time to support you and your growing family.
• Recognition and Growth – we celebrate your achievements and open doors to development across DCP.
• Salary Packaging – reduce your taxable income with a range of pre-tax benefits.
• Health and Fitness Perks – free flu vaccination plus access to more than 1,700 gyms, fitness centres and pools across Australia through our Fitness Passport program for you and your family.
• Wellbeing Support - confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family.

About the Department for Child Protection:

The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in the protection of children, young people and their families within South Australia. The department provides support to vulnerable children and young people to be safe, strong and connected.

Special Conditions:

• You must have a current Working With Children Check.

For a successful application, you will need to respond to all points listed under the your capabilities section of the attached role description. Please also note any special conditions that may be listed.

Enquiries: Mirna Zima-Hock - Executive Assistant to the Director, Strategic Policy, Partnerships and Reform on (08) 8226 7348 or email: mirna.zima-hock@sa.gov.au

Our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, the LGBTQI+ communities, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

To apply for this role, please click the 'apply' button to be re-directed to the DCP Career Portal.

Applications close: 12/05/2026 11:00 PM

Attachments:
- DCP Job Application Guide.pdf
- Role Description - SM1 Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, SPPR.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.