Premier’s Department

Senior Associate, Fostering Innovation

You. At the centre of big ideas. Drive innovation initiatives that support NSW's future economic growth

Apply your policy, program delivery and stakeholder engagement expertise to shape innovation outcomes across NSW

Join our talent pool for future ongoing and temporary opportunities

Clerk Grade 9/10 ($133,348- $146,945 per annum), based in Martin Place, Sydney

Join Investment NSW and help deliver the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035 through a diverse portfolio of policy, program and grant initiatives that support innovation, industry growth and government priorities across NSW.

About the Role

As a Senior Associate, Fostering Innovation, you will work on policy development, grant management, program evaluation and/or stakeholder engagement to drive the innovation agenda. These tasks require strong research and analytical skills, a sound knowledge of governance, effective project and risk management, and the ability to collaborate across government. You will join the Fostering Innovation team within Investment NSW.

The team is responsible for developing and delivering initiatives that strengthen the state's innovation ecosystem and support economic growth across NSW. These include the flagship MVP Ventures Grant Program, the Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program and supporting NSW’s place-based innovation ecosystems, including the Tech Central Innovation Hub.

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

We're Looking For

Policy Development & Strategic Analysis: Experience researching, analysing and interpreting complex issues to develop evidence-based policy advice, identify emerging risks and opportunities, and provide practical recommendations that support government priorities and organisational objectives.

Project, Program & Grant Management: Demonstrated experience managing complex projects, programs or grant initiatives from planning through to implementation and evaluation, including governance,



risk management, reporting, compliance and stakeholder communications.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships, influence outcomes and work collaboratively across government, industry and other stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.

Planning & Delivery Focus: Proven ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within tight timeframes, while adapting to changing priorities and maintaining a strong focus on results.

Governance & Integrity: Demonstrated commitment to ethical decision-making, accountability and effective governance, with experience ensuring projects, programs or grants are delivered in line with legislative, policy and compliance requirements.

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

Work-Life Balance: Flex time accrual for extra hours worked (for non-executive roles) based on a 35-hour standard week

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: Thursday, 20 August 2026 (9:59 AM)

Salary: Clerk Grade 9/10. Package includes base salary ($133,348- $146,945) plus superannuation (12%) and leave loading.

Hiring Manager: Daniel Van Dyk, Associate Director, [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 Current 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: It is our intention to create a talent pool from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the 9/10 grade that become available over an 18-month period.

📌 Senior Associate Fostering Innovation (Australia)
🏢 myCareer - NSW Government
📍 Australia