Policy and Governance Advisor

• A role where you drive the outcomes
• Full Time, Permanent Opportunity
• $103,908 + 12% superannuation

About the Opportunity

As part of the Governance and Strategy Program, the Policy & Governance Advisor plays a key role in strengthening good governance across the organisation. This role works closely with internal stakeholders to review and develop policies and procedures, supports Council Member behavioural and dispute resolution matters, and contributes to the effective functioning of Council and Committee meetings.

The Advisor partners with policy authors across Council Governance and Corporate Governance & Risk to lead and coordinate policy and procedure reviews, while also providing high-level legislative and governance advice to staff, management and external parties. This includes interpreting and applying complex legislation such as the Local Government Act 1999, City of Adelaide Act 1998 and relevant meeting procedures regulations, and keeping the organisation informed of legislative changes and emerging governance trends.

A core component of the role is managing the Council’s dispute resolution process and acting as the Dispute Resolution Officer, investigating matters in line with established frameworks while mitigating organisational risk. The role also assists in the management of Council Member complaints under the Behavioural Management Framework and supports the implementation of legislative and governance reforms in collaboration with senior leaders.

In addition, the Policy & Governance Advisor supports the Council Governance team through meeting administration, agenda and report preparation, minute taking and governance advice. The role contributes to education initiatives that promote strong governance practices and prepares high-quality briefing papers, reports and correspondence on complex, sensitive and confidential matters. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of legislation, policy and public sector governance, with meaningful influence on organisational integrity and decision-making.

To view a copy of the position description, please click here.

About You

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Demonstrated experience in the understanding of legislation and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting governance services.
• Understanding of a project life cycle, and ability to assist with strategies relating to projects and programs and promote cross functional collaboration.
• Proven ability to build positive relationships and communicate with all levels of management and staff, government agencies, stakeholders and the community, both verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to perceive the political implications or various decision paths before acting or proven ability to integrate across inter-related programs or groups to achieve outcomes.

About Us

Located in the geographic heart of Kaurna Country, the City of Adelaide celebrates its cultural heritage, unique natural surrounds and structures its footprint in a way that allows it to adapt to the changing needs of the community and a dynamic global landscape. Our focus is on our community’s wellbeing and quality of life - investing in city improvements and on future planning, so we continue to design a liveable city where future generations can continue to live authentic and meaningful lives. This is an exciting opportunity to join our team and be a bigger part of our amazing city!

At the City of Adelaide, we thrive in an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and safe, and celebrates difference.  We value and embrace our diverse perspectives and recognise the value diversity has in fuelling innovation and enabling brilliant experiences for our diverse community.

For Further Enquiries & How to Apply

All enquiries regarding this position will remain private and confidential and can be directed to Kathryn Goldy on 08 8203 7462.

Please submit a Resume and a Cover Letter expressing the skills, experience and qualities you can bring to this position addressed to Kathryn Goldy, Manager, Corporate Governance & Risk.

Please review the position description prior to submitting an application by following the prompts to apply.

For more information about what it’s like to work for the City of Adelaide, including the benefits, please visit www.cityofadelaide.com.au/careers

Applications close 11:59pm, 18 January 2026.

Please be advised this is a permanent full-time opportunity with a starting salary at the Level 6 Classification commencing at $103,908 +12% superannuation.

As part of the recruitment process candidates will be required to undertake a National Police Check.

We continue to work hard to ensure our recruitment process is safe for people of diverse backgrounds.

Please note, applications received via the email address below will not be considered. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace. Our commitment to inclusivity means we welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and candidates from with a range of lived experiences. If you require assistance with our recruitment process, you are more than welcome to connect with our People Services team on (08) 8203 7333 recruitment@cityofadelaide.com.au