• Full time ongoing Senior Executive Band 2 role – TRP from $312,184 per annum including super annuation
• Located in Sydney or Regional – NSW– Hybrid working  
• Leading an innovative team and make an impact

About the Role

The Executive Director Research & Evaluation leads the design and delivery of research, development, extension, and evaluation initiatives to support the state’s fisheries, aquaculture, and forestry sectors. This role determines the overarching strategy and oversees a significant program of research and extension that informs fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, and hunting policy, compliance, and management decisions. As a member of the Fisheries and Forestry Executive Leadership team, you will actively participate in broader Group strategic planning and decision-making. You will also provide strategic advice on research and evaluation issues to the Deputy Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry and the Minister for Agriculture.

About You

The ideal candidate for this position will possess a strong background in research and evaluation within the natural resource management sector. You will have a demonstrated depth and breadth of knowledge and comprehension of current and emerging issues and risks that impact fisheries and forestry research, development, and extension programs in NSW. Your experience in setting strategic research priorities that align with departmental and governmental objectives will ensure that research activities effectively support the overarching goals of the Division.

You will have a strong professional background and relevant expertise that demonstrates your capability in this role. Extensive experience at a senior executive level in the strategic management of significant research and development programs is essential. Your background should include regular and substantial engagement with clients, industry stakeholders, and partners, emphasising best practices, collaboration, and alignment with Government priorities.

As the principal representative for the Department in research engagements and negotiations with key stakeholders, you will lead and direct the planning, application, and ongoing evaluation of financial, human, and physical resources. Your leadership will embed risk management and governance practices to achieve effective returns on government investments.

As the leader of the NSW Shark Management Program, you will develop and implement related policies and strategic plans. You will provide strategic direction and professional leadership across the Research & Evaluation senior executive team, fostering a culture of innovation, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement within the Division. Building proactive networks of strategic relationships across key stakeholder groups will be crucial to keep the Division informed about current and emerging issues, trends, and best practices.

You’ll Be Someone Who Can

• Establish and align research and development activities with the Department and Government's priorities, ensuring impactful outcomes.
• Act as the principal representative for the Department in research negotiations, fostering collaborative relationships to deliver on objectives.
• Provide clear strategic direction and professional leadership, promoting innovation and continuous improvement while implementing strategic change initiatives.

For further information about the role, please contact Felicity Gillard, Manager Talent Acquisition email felicity.j.gillard@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0459 165 897. Alternatively, view the role description for Executive Director Research and Evaluation

Why us? 

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions.  

DPIRD brings together Agriculture and Biosecurity; Forestry and Fishing; Local Land Services; Mining, Exploration and Geoscience; Regional Development and Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service. We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW. 

Sounds interesting -want to Apply? 

If you are a strategic and forward-thinking senior executive in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, with a proven track record in managing significant research and development programs, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Please submit your curriculum vitae and a cover letter addressing your suitability for this position.  

Applications Closing Date:  7 December at 11:55pm 

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to capability.talent@regional.nsw.gov.au and a member of the team will contact you for a confidential discussion.  

 Additional Information: 
A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles of the same standard that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months. The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required. 

 Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.