Deputy Director Aboriginal Economic Development

• Ongoing, full time Identified opportunity
• Location – Willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations. Preference will be given to candidates based regionally, with a focus on Queanbeyan, Armidale, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour
• Clerk Grade 11/12 starting from $149,739 plus super and leave loading

About the Role

The Deputy Director, Aboriginal Economic Development supports the Director Economic Development Network (EDN) to successfully deliver on Departmental priorities and strategies that improve economic outcomes for Aboriginal people, communities and businesses. The Deputy Director works closely with all DPIRD Groups in the cluster including our Strategy/Policy and Data/Performance branches to embed an Aboriginal lens in all aspects of our work programs and ensure Aboriginal inclusion is considered in all our priorities for regional NSW. Focusing on the NSW Closing the Gap Priority Reform 5 (Employment, Business Growth and Economic Prosperity), Aboriginal Economic Development aims to support aspirations that grow the Aboriginal business sector, improve employment and training pathways for Aboriginal people and deliver economic prosperity to Aboriginal communities.

This is an identified role under Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and as such Aboriginality is an essential requirement of the role. Aboriginal identified positions are developed where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:

• is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
• identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
• is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Experience providing expert advice, reports and briefs to senior leaders to support strategic decisions.
• Ability to advise on effective ways to engage Aboriginal businesses and organisations in shaping new policies and programs.
• Skills in working with analysts, service providers and Aboriginal stakeholders to design innovative approaches to improve economic self-determination
• Proven experience in leading a team to identify, develop and deliver initiatives and projects aimed at supporting the establishment and growth of Aboriginal businesses.
• Proven leadership in promoting new, strength-based approaches to Aboriginal empowerment across government.
• Strong ability to build partnerships with regional stakeholders, government agencies, the private sector and Aboriginal organisations to inform policy and improve economic outcomes.
• Experience engaging with internal teams and Aboriginal communities to implement strategies and business priorities that benefit Aboriginal people, organisations, and businesses.

Applying is easy

Submit your current Resume/CV (max. 1 page) and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you're our ideal candidate.

If you'd like to know more about the role, please click here to view the role description.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Craig Jenkins, Director Economic Development Network at or

Applications close: Thursday 11th September 2025 at 11:55pm

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.

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

Additional information

The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process.

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 to or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.