Premier's Department

Reference number req53355

Occupation

Senior Executive

Work type

Full-Time

Location

Sydney Region

Salary Information

Closing date

11 August 2026 at 10:00am

Premier’s Department

Executive Director, Fostering Innovation

You. At the centre of big ideas.

- Lead NSW's innovation agenda and drive impact across the state
- Executive leader with innovation, policy and stakeholder expertise
- Ongoing, Senior Executive Band 2 opportunity based in Martin Place, Sydney.

About the Role As Executive Director, Fostering Innovation, you will provide strategic leadership for NSW’s innovation agenda, creating the conditions for startups, scale-ups, researchers and businesses to thrive. You will lead multidisciplinary teams responsible for innovation policy, ecosystem engagement, innovation precincts and hubs, and the delivery of high-profile funding and grant programs that support commercialisation and economic growth across NSW. Working closely with government, industry, investors and research institutions, you will shape and implement initiatives that strengthen NSW’s position as a globally competitive innovation economy.

You will also provide trusted advice to senior executives, Ministers and key stakeholders on complex and high-profile matters while driving a high-performing, cooperative and accountable culture.

This is a rare opportunity to join the Fostering Innovation Branch within Investment NSW and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of innovation across NSW. As a key member of the Investment NSW Executive Leadership Team, you will help drive strategic priorities, champion NSW’s innovation agenda with authority and credibility, and oversee significant investments, programs and partnerships that support growth, commercialisation and economic outcomes across the innovation ecosystem.

To learn more about the role please review the Role Description.

We're Looking For

- Strategic Leadership & Innovation Policy: Proven executive leadership experience shaping and delivering complex innovation, economic development, industry or public policy agendas, translating strategic priorities into impactful programs and whole-of-government outcomes.
- Stakeholder Influence & Ecosystem Engagement:



Exceptional ability to build trusted relationships and influence outcomes across government, industry, research institutions, investors and ecosystem partners, fostering collaboration and strategic partnerships to advance shared objectives.
- Program, Funding & Governance Expertise: Demonstrated experience leading large-scale programs, grants, funding initiatives or commercial arrangements, ensuring strong governance, risk management, transparency, compliance and value-for-money outcomes.
- Strategic Judgement & Executive Communication: Highly developed capability to provide authoritative, evidence-based advice to senior executives, Ministers and stakeholders on complex, high-profile and sensitive issues, communicating with credibility and influence
- Innovation, Delivery & Outcomes Focus: A track record of leading high-performing teams to deliver measurable results, establish performance frameworks, drive continuous improvement and respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges in dynamic environments.
- People Leadership, Delivery & Outcomes Focus: A proven people leader with a track record of building high-performing teams, developing capability and driving a culture of integrity, collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement, while delivering measurable outcomes, establishing robust performance frameworks and responding effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges in complex environments.

We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply. Why Join Us?

- Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements
- Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert-led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities
- Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness passport program, and wellbeing initiatives




- Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network

How to Apply Click ‘Apply Online’ and submit your application including:

- A resume detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
- A cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (maximum 2 pages)

Closing Date: Tuesday, 11 August 2026 (9:59 AM) Salary: Senior Executive Band 2. Total remuneration package will be negotiated upon offer.

Hiring Manager: Rebecca McPhee, Deputy Secretary Investment NSW.

Recruitment Contact: [email protected]

About the Premier's Department

Connecting to Deliver from the Heart of Government The Premier's Department leads the state's 430,000 public servants, driving collaboration and the delivery of whole-of-government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at Premier’s Department.

Our Commitment

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.

The Premier's Department acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.

Additional Information

Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating in pre-screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at [email protected], or reaching out to the hiring manager.

Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.

📌 Executive Director, Fostering Innovation (Sydney)
🏢 Nsw Government
📍 Sydney