• Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Temporary up to February 2028
• Primary Work Location: Armidale or Tamworth
• Clerk Grade 11/12 – Salary from $149,739 up to $173,174 per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading

About the Role
As Deputy Director Regional Development, you will play a key leadership role in delivering the NSW Government’s priorities across the New England North West region. Working closely with government agencies, councils, industry and communities, you will lead place-based initiatives that strengthen regional economies, improve liveability and create opportunities for growth. You will provide strategic advice to senior leaders, drive regional development and investment opportunities, coordinate multi-agency collaboration, and lead a high-performing team to deliver complex projects and programs that make a lasting difference to regional NSW. This temporary role may be based in Tamworth or Armidale and offers the opportunity to work at the centre of regional decision-making and community outcomes.

About You
As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• Demonstrated success leading complex regional development projects and programs
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills across government, industry and communities
• Ability to provide strategic advice on complex and sensitive issues
• Proven capability to build partnerships and deliver collaborative outcomes
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in diverse settings
• Knowledge of regional economic, social and community issues in NSW
• Current NSW Driver Licence or equivalent.

Applying is easy!
Submit your current Resume/CV 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 view the role description here.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Cherie Holdsworth on 0419 374 742 or email cherie.holdsworth@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close: Sunday, 5 July 2026 at 11:55pm AEST.

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.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to apply. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.  Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

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

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

Additional Information
The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.
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.

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.