• Full-time, Temporary role up to 14 months
• Location: All of NSW (negotiable & flexible)
• Clerk Grade 11/12 – Salary from $149, 739 - $173,174 per annum plus super and leave loading

Diversity and inclusion are core DPIRD values. Everyone has the right to contribute and participate to their full potential. We are committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive culture that is respectful, welcoming and flexible – a workplace where our people feel supported, valued, and part of our collective success.

About the Role

As the Manager, Tools, Communication & Education, you will lead a small, high-performing team responsible for transforming complex information into practical tools, education programs and communication initiatives that deliver meaningful outcomes for researchers, stakeholders and industry.

You will provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio, ensuring initiatives are aligned with organisational priorities, informed by user needs, and supported by robust governance, performance and evaluation frameworks. Your work will help drive the adoption of knowledge, tools and services that strengthen capability, improve decision-making and support innovation across the sector.

As a key leader within the Research and Development Office, you will build and maintain strong partnerships across government, industry, research organisations and community stakeholders. You will bring people together around shared objectives, influence outcomes in complex environments, and foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and customer focus.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic thinker and skilled communicator who enjoys working across disciplines, delivering high-quality outcomes, and leading and developing others to reach their full potential. You will be passionate about building team capability, fostering a positive and inclusive culture, and supporting staff growth while delivering meaningful, high-quality outcomes.

About You

You are a confident, credible and collaborative leader with a demonstrated ability to deliver complex programs in dynamic environments. You understand the importance of meaningful consultation and engagement and have a proven track record of bringing people together to achieve shared outcomes.

You combine strategic thinking with operational excellence and are committed to delivering high-quality outcomes through strong leadership, sound judgement and effective stakeholder relationships.

You will also bring:

• Extensive experience leading complex programs from concept through to delivery, evaluation and continuous improvement
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills across government, industry and community sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality, well-considered outcomes with a high degree of autonomy, while proactively identifying risks, escalating issues appropriately and seeking support when required.
• Experience designing and implementing innovative communication, education or capability-building initiatives for a range of audiences.

Essential Requirements

• Current NSW Driver’s License and ability and willingness to travel
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or demonstrated experience in an appropriate discipline including business, project management, primary production, animal science, community engagement/development and natural resource management.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to shape meaningful programs that directly support communities, strengthen industry resilience, and drive long-term impact.

If you are a strategic leader who excels in complexity, builds trusted relationships with ease, and is driven by purpose-led outcomes, this role offers a unique platform to influence at scale.

Apply now and help shape the future!

When applying you will need to submit a cover letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining your experience skills and capabilities that align to the role and a resume.

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

Application Closing Date: Wednesday 1 July 2026, 11:55pm

Additionally, if you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Donna McLeod, Director R&D Office via donna.mcleod@dpird.nsw.gov.au or on 0436 323 299.

Please note that interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on 23 and 24 July 2026.

What to expect next 

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages.  

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

About us 

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 the majority of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

The Agriculture and Biosecurity Group plays a key role in protecting, supporting, and developing sustainable, future-ready agricultural and biosecurity sectors across NSW. Through its work, the group shapes the future of agriculture and safeguards the state’s biosecurity. Comprising of five divisions: Agriculture, which leads industry development through science and research; Biosecurity and Food Safety, which manages biosecurity risks and food safety while responding to emergencies; Climate and Natural Resources, which drives policy on climate, drought, soil, and water to support resilience; Research Assurance, which ensures a commercially viable, high-quality research framework; and Strategy and Regulatory Policy, which delivers policy reform and oversees regulatory integrity.

Additional Information 

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 talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion. 

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.