Senior Tourism Officer

Southern Downs Regional Council; Warwick; On-site; AUD 113,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% superannuation

9-day fortnight

Wellbeing initiatives

Skin checks & flu shots

Permanent local government role

Job summary

Southern Downs Regional Council – Warwick QLD is seeking an experienced leader to drive the Tourism Strategy and strengthen the region’s visitor economy. You will collaborate with industry, government and community stakeholders to enhance the Southern Downs as a premier regional destination and lead a small team delivering strategic initiatives.

Reporting to the Director of Strategy, Growth and Stakeholder Engagement, you will provide high level advice and advocate for investment to grow

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in tourism, destination management, business, marketing or related discipline.
• Demonstrated significant experience in tourism strategy, destination management or visitor economy leadership.
• Experience working with state tourism bodies or regional tourism organisations.
• Proven ability to implement complex strategic initiatives and deliver measurable tourism growth outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the Tourism Strategy and drive initiatives that strengthen the region’s visitor economy.
• Collaborate with industry, government and community stakeholders to enhance Southern Downs’ reputation as a premier regional destination.
• Provide high level strategic advice, lead a small team and champion projects that increase visitation and investment in the region.
• Position Southern Downs to capitalise on opportunities leading into Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

Job description

Southern Downs Regional Council – Warwick QLD

Are you passionate about showcasing the Southern Downs as a must visit destination?

Southern Downs Regional Council is seeking an experienced and strategic professional to lead the delivery of our Tourism Strategy and drive initiatives that strengthen the region’s visitor economy.

In this key leadership role, you will work collaboratively with industry, government and community stakeholders to enhance the Southern Downs reputation as premier regional destination. From destination development and tourism governance to major events, strategic partnerships and investment advocacy, you will play a pivotal role in delivering sustainable tourism outcomes that benefit our communities and local businesses.

Reporting to the Director of Strategy, Growth and Stakeholder Engagement, you will provide high level strategic advice, lead a small team and champion projects that increase visitation, support local industry and position the Southern Downs to capitalise on opportunities leading into Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

Benefits of the position include:

• Up to 12% superannuation
• Work / Life balance with a 9-day fortnight
• Health & wellbeing initiatives exclusive to Council employees
• Free skin checks, flu vacs & wellness medicals & discounted gym memberships
• Permanent role in Local Government

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in tourism, destination management, business, marketing or related discipline.
• Demonstrated significant experience in tourism strategy, destination management or visitor economy leadership
• Experience working with state tourism bodies or regional tourism organisations.
• Proven ability to implement complex strategic initiatives and deliver measurable tourism growth outcomes

Pay Level

$4334.22 - $4577.88 per fortnight (Level 7) + 12% superannuation and 17.5% annual leave loading.

In accordance with Council’s Enterprise Agreement and the relevant Award.

Pay rate dependent on relevant skills and experience.

Status

Permanent Full-time

Hours of Work

72.5 hours per fortnight, 9 day fortnight or as negotiated

Employment Base

Warwick, Queensland

Closing Date

9:00am, Tuesday 25 August 2026

About Southern Downs

Southern Downs is a great place to live, work, play and stay. With a growing multicultural community of 37,040 residents, the picturesque region covers 7,122km and offers you the work-life balance you have been searching for in a well-connected regional centre. The major towns of Warwick and Stanthorpe offer vibrant commercial hubs with ample retail, medical, banking and educational services.