Director, Digital Economy and Innovation Policy

Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions VIC; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions VIC in Melbourne seeks a Director, Digital Economy and Innovation Policy to lead policy development and implementation for Victoria's digital economy and innovation capabilities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will steer strategic initiatives, build partnerships across government, industry and start-ups, and cultivate a high‑performing, inclusive workplace culture. This is a fixed-term SES-1 role with a 12-month tenure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of policy, frameworks, strategies and initiatives for the digital economy and innovation policy.
• Contribute to the branch's overall strategic direction and operations.
• Engage with government partners, industry and ecosystem stakeholders to advance Victoria's digital economy.

Job description

Director, Digital Economy and Innovation Policy

Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions VIC – Melbourne VIC

The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is focused on growing Victoria’s prosperity, building the productive capacity of our economy and increasing participation – by creating more opportunities for people through skills and jobs; helping businesses and industries to thrive; and building vibrant communities and regions. For more information, see the DJSIR Strategic Plan 2023-2027.

Our work spans numerous portfolios, supporting departmental ministers and operating across metropolitan, regional and international offices.

The Department welcomes and encourages applications from diverse applicants, including First Peoples, refugees or asylum seekers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, LGBTIQ+ people and people with disability. All roles at DJSIR can be worked flexibly and we offer reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities.

• Lead a strategic approach to the development and implementation of policy, frameworks, strategies and initiatives
• Contribute to the branch's overall strategic direction and operations
• Senior Executive Service Level 1 (SES-1), Fixed Term -12 months commencing January 2027

The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) is seeking to appoint a Director, Digital Economy and Innovation Policy to join its team. This role is responsible for leading a strategic approach to the development and implementation of policy, frameworks, strategies and initiatives to support the development of Victoria's digital economy sector and build Victoria's innovation capabilities.

The Medical Research, Innovation & Technology branch works to foster an innovative economy, by driving policies and implementing programs that facilitate growth and productivity of our globally competitive industries including digital technology and health technology sectors and the development of a thriving startup sector.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Medical Research, Innovation & Technology, the Director will be required to develop strong partnerships across the department, all levels of government, the digital economy sector and key innovation ecosystem partners.

The successful candidate will be an experienced leader with a proven track‑record of leading and motivating multi-disciplinary teams of professionals, building positive, collaborative and high-performance workplace cultures with strong staff engagement and modelling organisational values.

Further Information

Enquiries about this position should be directed to Connie Crisafi, Executive Director, Medical Research, Innovation & Technology on 0438 158 ***.

The department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with theChild Safe Standards.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records check and Misconduct screening verified by their previous employer prior to commencing employment with the Department. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.

We respect and welcome people of all backgrounds, genders, sexualities, abilities, and cultures.

Applications close midnight on 11 November 2026