Economic Development Officer

Careers at Council; Willoughby City Council; On-site; AUD 105,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Willoughby City Council is seeking a proactive and relationship-focused Economic Development Officer to support the delivery of key economic development initiatives across the Willoughby Local Government Area. This is a max term contract until February 2028, with salary from AU$105,249.07 to AU$113,462.23 plus 12% Superannuation.

Working within the Economic Development team, you will help deliver the Economic Development Strategy and Night Time Economy Strategy, engage with local businesses and

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Economic Development or a related discipline, and/or extensive relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management and partnership development.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate findings into practical outcomes.
• Experience in project planning, coordination and delivery.
• Sound understanding of economic development principles, place making and local economic trends.
• Demonstrated business acumen and financial awareness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and effectively engage a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience developing innovative initiatives, events or programs that generate community and economic outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation and delivery of Council's Economic Development Strategy.
• Assist in progressing actions under the Night Time Economy Strategy.
• Support the development and facilitation of sector development groups for key industries.
• Develop and coordinate business education and capacity-building initiatives.
• Engage with local businesses and stakeholders to identify opportunities and support growth.
• Assist with the planning and delivery of marketing, promotional and business engagement activities.
• Conduct business engagement visits and maintain positive relationships with the local business community.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to strengthen and promote The Concourse as a leading cultural and economic destination.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of projects arising from the Chatswood CBD Strategy.
• Assist with research, analysis and reporting activities that support evidence-based economic development initiatives.

Job description

• Help drive economic growth, business engagement and place activation across the Willoughby Local Government Area.
• Max term contract until February 2028.
• Salary from $ $105,249.07 - $113,462.23 plus 12% Superannuation.

Make a Difference Where You Work

Willoughby City Council is seeking a proactive and relationship-focusedEconomic Development Officerto support the delivery of key economic development initiatives across the city.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth and prosperity of one of Sydney's most dynamic local economies. Working within the Economic Development team, you will assist in delivering Council's Economic Development Strategy and Night Time Economy Strategy, engage with local businesses and stakeholders, facilitate business education initiatives, and support projects that strengthen Willoughby's position as a leading destination for business, culture and innovation.

Why Join Us?

Drive Economic Growth:

Contribute to initiatives that support local businesses, attract investment and strengthen the economic future of the Willoughby community.

Shape Vibrant Places:

Support projects that enhance the Night Time Economy, activate centres and help position Chatswood and The Concourse as premier destinations.

Build Meaningful Partnerships:

Work closely with businesses, industry groups, government agencies and community stakeholders to deliver impactful outcomes.

About the Role

As the Economic Development Officer, you will:

• Support the implementation and delivery of Council's Economic Development Strategy.
• Assist in progressing actions under the Night Time Economy Strategy.
• Support the development and facilitation of sector development groups for key industries.
• Develop and coordinate business education and capacity-building initiatives.
• Engage with local businesses and stakeholders to identify opportunities and support growth.
• Assist with the planning and delivery of marketing, promotional and business engagement activities.
• Conduct business engagement visits and maintain positive relationships with the local business community.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to strengthen and promote The Concourse as a leading cultural and economic destination.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of projects arising from the Chatswood CBD Strategy.
• Assist with research, analysis and reporting activities that support evidence-based economic development initiatives.

What You’ll Bring:

• Tertiary qualifications in Economic Development or a related discipline, and/or extensive relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management and partnership development.
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate findings into practical outcomes.
• Experience in project planning, coordination and delivery.
• Sound understanding of economic development principles, place making and local economic trends.
• Demonstrated business acumen and financial awareness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team and effectively engage a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Experience developing innovative initiatives, events or programs that generate community and economic outcomes.

Applications close: Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 11:30pm

Successful candidates may be required to undertake pre-employment screening including police and qualification checks.

At Willoughby City Council, inclusion, diversity and belonging are core to how we work and how we recruit. We are committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of our community – one where everyone feels respected, valued and supported to contribute fully. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities and identities – including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, LGBTIQA+ communities, veterans, and people of all ages. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know. We are committed to ensuring an accessible, inclusive and barrier-free experience for every candidate.