Deputy Counsel, Housing Growth

• Full Time, Permanent
• Location: Sydney NSW 2000 (Gadigal Land)
• Competitive Senior Executive Package + NFP Salary Packaging Benefits
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of Australians in need

Life at Mission Australia

When you join the team at Mission Australia, you become part of a community who are determined to end homelessness and ensure people in need can thrive. United by our Christian purpose and values, we advocate for a fairer Australia, to meet the growing needs of people across the country. Together we’re building hope and possibility for all.

Find out more about us and our purpose.

Your opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior Legal role working on complex, high value property and financing transactions while contributing to something much bigger than commercial outcomes. Work at the heart of a national organisation, shaping major transactions and delivering real impact for Australians in need.

As Deputy Counsel, Housing Growth, you’ll partner closely with our Housing Growth leadership and General Counsel to lead the legal strategy across a significant and growing development pipeline. From major developments and acquisitions through to complex financing structures, you’ll be across the deals that enable Mission Australia to expand access to safe, secure housing.

This is a role for someone who enjoys complex transactions, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and is looking to apply their skills in a way that drives both commercial outcomes and social impact.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• Lead legal input across a pipeline of complex housing development and acquisition projects
• Provide legal advice to deliver sophisticated property, construction and financing transactions
• Partner with senior stakeholders across Housing Growth, Finance and Executive leadership
• Provide strategic legal support on procurement, tenders and partnership models for housing transactions
• Provide advice for the structuring and delivery of innovative funding approaches, including blended and government-backed financing
• Lead and develop a high-performing specialist legal team
• Act as a trusted adviser on high-value, high-impact transactions

Requirements for success

You are likely from a top-tier or mid-tier firm (or equivalent in-house environment), and ready to step into a role where your work has direct and visible impact.

You will bring:

• Bachelor of Laws or equivalent legal qualification, with a current unrestricted practicing certificate.
• Strong experience with at least 10 years post admission in financing, property development, construction, infrastructure or complex transactional law
• Experience working on sophisticated financing arrangements and multi-party deals
• The ability to navigate complex negotiations and deliver commercial, risk-aware outcomes
• Credibility to operate with senior executives, Boards and external partners
• A strong transactional mindset and attention to detail
• Experience managing competing priorities across a dynamic deal pipeline
• Postgraduate legal qualification (e.g. LLM in property, construction or finance law) or relevant industry qualification desirable.
• Membership of or qualification from Australian Institute of Company Directors, Property Council of Australia or equivalent desirable.
• A collaborative approach and interest in working in a purpose-led environment

Before starting work with us, you will need to undertake a national police history check, qualifications, and referee checks, and have a clearance to work with children/vulnerable people.

Your benefits

To ensure our employees feel valued, empowered, and celebrated, we provide a range of employee benefits including:

• Rewarding work – every day you know you’re making a real difference
• Not-for-profit salary packaging, reducing your tax (details via AccessPay)
• Free external, confidential counselling and access to chaplaincy support
• Volunteering opportunities
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Extra leave including: Mission Australia Thank You Day & Work Anniversary Day off

Our culture

Our innovative and inclusive culture will ensure you feel valued at Mission Australia as you help Australians in need and develop in your career.

We prioritise the safety and wellbeing of everyone, both within our team and the individuals we serve.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion, and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. So, whoever you are, if you’re skilled and actively support our purpose and values, you would be welcome at Mission Australia.

If you live with disability and require support to submit your application, please email talentattraction@missionaustralia.com.au or visit our Careers page for additional contact details.

We strongly encourage applications from people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. For culturally safe support or assistance with your application, please contact us at Deadlycareers@missionaustralia.com.au

Find out more about a career with Mission Australia.

How to apply

Click ‘Apply’ and send your application today!

As a committed Circle Back Initiative employer, we will respond to your application.

Applications are shortlisted as they are received. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered. Thank you