Policy Manager

Principal Policy & Research Analyst
Government Contract Role
Brisbane CBD
16 March 2026 – 30 June 2026
$122.86 per hour + super
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Policy & Research Analyst to drive the strategic redesign of domestic and family violence (DFV), violent, and sexual offending programs within custodial settings across Queensland.
This is a high-impact contract opportunity for a subject matter expert who combines academic rigour with operational pragmatism.

About the Role
You will lead the evidence review, comparative analysis, and strategic program scoping required to modernise custodial rehabilitation frameworks for complex offending cohorts.

Key Responsibilities

1. National & International Jurisdictional Scan

• Map contemporary legislative, policy, and program frameworks across diverse jurisdictions.
• Deliver high-level comparative appraisals highlighting transferable innovations.
• Evaluate integration of custodial interventions with community-based throughcare models.

1. Specialist Literature Review

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of DFV, violent and sexual offending research.
• Synthesise trauma-informed and evidence-based methodologies.
• Identify emerging trends in perpetrator intervention and victim-survivor safety.
• Highlight evidence gaps, particularly for high-risk cohorts in secure environments.

1. Program Mapping & Comparative Analysis

• Undertake an end-to-end audit of existing custodial programs.
• Assess operational viability, clinical risk, and delivery feasibility.
• Analyse financial impacts, staffing models, and infrastructure requirements.

1. Integrated Program Scoping & Design

• Architect a modular “Base + Module” intervention framework.
• Ensure strict alignment with Risk, Need, and Responsivity principles.
• Develop a detailed implementation blueprint including costs, resourcing and delivery protocols.
• Embed robust victim-survivor safety and perpetrator accountability measures.

1. Relationship & Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate closely with the project team to deliver outcomes on schedule.
• Coordinate and translate expert input into actionable project outputs.
• Facilitate workshops, focus groups and consultations.
• Design and lead stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Build consensus across competing priorities and ensure feedback integration.
• Maintain proactive communication regarding risks, roadblocks or resource requirements.

About You
You are a recognised subject matter expert in criminology, criminal justice, or social policy with:

• Deep expertise in the Risk-Need-Responsivity framework
• Strong knowledge of DFV, violent and sexual offending interventions
• Experience conducting high-level literature reviews and jurisdictional comparisons
• Demonstrated ability to translate research into operational policy design
• Experience working within custodial, justice, or government environments highly regarded
• Strong analytical, financial modelling, and strategic scoping capabilities

You are motivated by the opportunity to apply your expertise to systemic reform in a high-stakes public sector environment.


At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is welcome. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, neurodiverse, people living with a disability and the LGBTIQA+ community.

You can read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion at https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion.