director, public land and business partnerships

Department for Environment and Water

Job reference: 706928

Location: ADELAIDE

Job status: Long Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone

• Shape how South Australians experience, value and benefit from public land

• Balance commercial success with environmental and cultural stewardship

Competitive salary within SAES1 banding

South Australia's public land is one of its greatest assets – from the views of Mount Lofty Summit to the native wildlife of Cleland Wildlife Park, and the historic corridors of Adelaide Gaol. The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is seeking a commercially astute, strategically minded leader to shape how these and other iconic destinations are activated, protected and experienced.

This is a rare opportunity to bring commercial rigour, strategic vision and stakeholder acumen to a portfolio that sits at the crossroads of economic activation, conservation and community access.

The Director, Public Land and Business Partnerships provides strategic leadership in the protection, management and sustainable activation of public lands to enhance public access and enjoyment, and to provide enduring economic and community benefits. The role oversees key visitor attractions and services, ensuring they deliver sustainable business models and nature-based tourism experiences that build advocates for conservation.

The Director will:

• Build structure and scale around how public land is commercially activated.

• Unlock new partnerships and opportunities across tourism, government, business and community.

• Modernise commercial operations, leasing and visitor experience.

• Balance commercial outcomes with environmental and cultural stewardship.

To be successful in this role you will be a proven senior leader who thrives in complex environments and can translate strategic ambition into practical outcomes. You will bring:

• Strong commercial and strategic credentials, ideally across tourism, infrastructure, environment, property or related sectors.

• Deep experience in leading teams, managing diverse stakeholders, and driving performance across commercial operations.

• The ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholders across government, industry and community, shaping policy and delivering results.

• A passion for connecting people, place and purpose – ensuring public land delivers value for both South Australians and the environment.

A tertiary qualification in natural resource management, business management or a related field is essential. Postgraduate qualifications and experience working with Aboriginal communities are desirable.

At DEW, you'll work in an organisation making a real difference to South Australia's environmental and economic future.

We offer:

• A collaborative and purpose-driven culture.

• Hybrid working arrangements to support work–life balance.

• Free entry into DEW-managed parks.

• Salary sacrifice benefits and access to our Employee Assistance Program.

• Meaningful work that connects community, business and nature

For more information or to apply directly, please visit: Director, Public Land and Business Partnerships job in Government & Defence in Adelaide

For any questions not outlined in the PD and for a confidential discussion, please contact Sam Wallace on or Carla Bent on

Davidson acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live. We are also committed to equal opportunity and strive to promote diversity, inclusion, belonging, flexibility, and accessibility in all that we do.

Should you require assistance in your interactions with us or through a recruitment process, please let us know so we can provide adjustments for you.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Applications close: 16/11/2025 11:00 PM