Director RED Strategic Initiatives

NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development; Armidale; On-site; AUD 225,000 - 251,000; Full time

Job summary

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is seeking an experienced Director, Regional Economic Development to lead strategic initiatives across regional NSW. You will guide a dispersed team delivering investment attraction, regional workforce development and Aboriginal economic outcomes to support sustainable growth in communities.

You will engage with government, industry, local councils and community stakeholders to identify opportunities, remove barriers to investment

Qualifications

• Experience leading regional economic development or investment attraction programs.
• Proven track record delivering large, geographically dispersed teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• Ability to influence policy and strategic programs.
• Commitment to Aboriginal economic development outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Leading the development and delivery of strategic regional economic development programs across NSW.
• Driving investment attraction and industry development initiatives.
• Championing Aboriginal economic development outcomes through targeted programs.
• Providing high-level strategic advice to senior executives and government on priorities.
• Building influential relationships across government, industry, local councils and communities.
• Leading and developing a high-performing team of approximately 26 FTE to deliver meaningful outcomes for regional communities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation

Policy influence

People leadership

Job description

• Band 1 Director role with TRP $225,174 - $250,868


• Open to all NSW locations with a focus on Regional NSW


• Temporary opportunity up to July 2027

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to drive initiatives that strengthen regional economies, attract investment, support workforce growth, and create lasting opportunities for communities across NSW.

As Director, Regional Economic Development - Strategic Initiatives, you will lead a geographically dispersed team delivering investment attraction, regional workforce and Aboriginal economic development initiatives that support sustainable economic growth and job creation throughout regional NSW. You will work closely with government, industry, local councils and community stakeholders to identify emerging opportunities, remove barriers to investment and help shape the future of regional economies.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the development and delivery of strategic regional economic development programs across NSW.


• Driving business attraction, investment and industry development initiatives that create jobs and strengthen regional economies.


• Championing Aboriginal economic development outcomes through targeted programs, partnerships and capability-building initiatives.


• Providing high-level strategic advice to senior executives and government on economic development priorities and opportunities.


• Building influential relationships across government, industry, local councils and community stakeholders.


• Leading and developing a high-performing team of approximately 26 FTE to deliver meaningful outcomes for regional communities.

About You

You are a collaborative and influential executive leader with significant experience in regional economic development, investment attraction, industry development or a related field. You bring a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing regional communities and have a track record of delivering complex programs and leading large, geographically dispersed teams.

You Will Also Demonstrate

• Strategic thinking and strong commercial acumen.


• Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and partnership-building skills.


• Experience influencing policy, programs and investment decisions.


• Strong people leadership with a commitment to developing capability and fostering an inclusive culture.


• A passion for creating positive economic and social outcomes for regional NSW.

Why join us?

At DPIRD, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of people living and working in regional NSW. You'll work alongside passionate professionals who are committed to supporting thriving industries, strong communities and sustainable regional growth.

This is a unique opportunity to shape strategic initiatives that influence investment, employment, workforce development and economic prosperity across the state.

Join us and help build a stronger future for regional NSW.

Applications close: 9am Friday, 25 September 2026.

Please View the Role Description for more information. You may also contact Craig Jenkins on 0411 248 482or [e-mail] for a confidential discussion on the role.

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email [e-mail] contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

About Us – Together, We Are DPIRD

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.

Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.

The department brings together:

• Local Land Services


• NSW Resources


• Agriculture and Biosecurity


• Fisheries and Forestry


• Regional Development and Delivery

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds - including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer

We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact [e-mail] or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.