About Us

The Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay (Diocese) is home to more than 215,000 Catholics and exists to serve the People of God in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the North Shore and the Central Coast. Our communities are nourished and sustained by the sacramental life of the Church celebrated and available through its 27 parishes and ecclesial communities, 44 Catholic schools, diocesan agencies and ministries. The Diocese works alongside local people and organisations to provide a diverse range of spiritual, pastoral, educational, social and community support services for those who live and work in the Diocese.

About the Role

The Senior Legal Counsel is a key leadership position within the Diocese responsible for overseeing all Diocesan legal services, enterprise risk management, and compliance functions across the organisation. As a key advisor, you will serve as a strategic partner to senior leadership, offering expert legal advice, guiding the Diocese and Parishes through complex legal issues, and embedding a proactive risk culture across Diocesan ministries and operations. The position plays a critical role in enabling lawful, ethical, and informed decision-making, while protecting the Diocese’s people, reputation, and mission.

You will support the review and continuous improvement of governance frameworks and other internal control documents. You will contribute to strategic planning processes by identifying legal and risk-related considerations that may impact key decisions and long-term objectives, as well as provide advisory support to relevant diocesan governance committees. You will collaborate with internal leaders to ensure policies, procedures and systems are robust, compliant, and reflective of diocesan mission and values.

At the heart of this role will be your ability to work collaboratively with various diocesan stakeholders as it relates to Mission projects, and an openness to work with stakeholders as it evolves and strives to meet the needs of the Diocese.

This position is a full-time role and based at Pennant Hills.

Key Requirements

The Senior Legal Counsel will ideally possess the following knowledge, experience and qualifications:

• Admission as a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of NSW and a current practising certificate in NSW
• A comprehensive knowledge of the law and legal practice including a proven ability to deliver legal advice and manage legal risk in complex and diverse organisations
• A proven record in sound commercial influence, managing change, sustaining effective relationships and maintaining effective networking across a broad range of stakeholders
• A demonstrated ability to achieve organisational outcomes through well-developed and superior influencing and negotiation skills
• A commitment to the ethos, values and mission of the Catholic Church
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and consultatively across a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

Enquiries and Application Process

For a confidential discussion about this position and to obtain a copy of the Position Description please contact Anthony Spata at Reach HR on 0402 210 055 or [email protected]

Applications should be sent directly to [email protected] and must include a resume and cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role, in particular, how you meet each of the Key Requirements outlined above.

Applications close 7 October 2025.

Preferred candidates will be required to have a National Police Check clearance and appointment will be subject to satisfactory check outcomes.

Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.