Department of State Development

Job reference: 854195

Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE

Job status: Long Term Contract

Eligibility: Open to Everyone About us:

The Department of State Development is the South Australian Government’s lead economic development agency.

Our mission is to drive sustainable economic growth in South Australia by increasing industrial and workforce capability, capacity, collaboration and resilience. We take pride in hiring the right people for the right jobs and offer an attractive, flexible workplace.

For more information about our agency, please visit:

Department of State Development | statedevelopment.sa.gov.au

About the role:

The Office for Small and Family Business supports the growth and resilience of small and family businesses across South Australia, being the key entry point for businesses seeking support, information and access to programs delivered through South Australia’s Small Business Strategy 2023-2030.

The Director, Office for Small and Family Business will lead South Australia’s Small Business Strategy 2023-2030 and the Government’s policies and programs that support small and family business to create jobs and build the State’s economy.

As the Director, you will:

- Drive the delivery of the South Australian Small Business Strategy 2023-2030: Provide strategic leadership for the implementation and evaluation of the South Australian Small Business Strategy 2023-2030 and associated initiatives, ensuring delivery of government priorities and measurable outcomes for the small and family business sector, within budget and required timeframes.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships: Establish and sustain productive relationships with industry, business representative bodies, government agencies and key stakeholders to ensure effective engagement, consultation, communication,



and collaboration to inform policy development and improve outcomes for South Australian small and family businesses.
- Lead cross-government and national collaboration: Drive effective inter-governmental and cross-agency representation to align policy, programs and services and represent South Australia in national forums and position the state to influence and respond to strategic priorities impacting the South Australian small and family business sector.
- Influence government policy, reform and decision making: Provide authoritative strategic advice to Ministers, the Chief Executive and senior executives on emerging issues, opportunities, risks, legislation, regulation and whole-of-government priorities impacting small and family businesses.

Key Competencies:

To apply and succeed in the role, you will have:

- Demonstrated experience providing strategic leadership in complex environments and achieving results through highly developed skills in verbal and written communication, leadership, influence and negotiation with key stakeholders.
- Robust understanding of the key challenges facing the small and family business sector, with a proven ability to lead and manage a diverse team in the development and delivery of high-quality strategic plans, programs and policies to support South Australian small and family businesses.
- High level political acumen with a strong understanding of how to address and navigate government processes, priorities and accountabilities.
- High resilience and adaptability, capable of working effectively in a fast paced, constantly changing and uncertain environment.




- Demonstrated strong people management and leadership capabilities with the ability to drive and create positive culture.

Remuneration:

Competitive salary of SAES1.

Benefits:

Bringing your talent to the Department of State Development will see you rewarded with a wide variety of benefits such as:

- A variety of leave arrangements
- Work-life balance with a flexible hybrid work arrangement
- Access to great customised training and career development opportunities.

Qualifications:

- Essential: Nil
- Desirable: A tertiary or post graduate qualification in a relevant discipline such as business.

Special Conditions:

- The role will be offered full-time (1.0 FTE) for up to 3 years
- Satisfactory Department of Human Services Criminal History Check or National Police Check (NPC) and Working with Children Check is required prior to employment.

Enquiries:

For confidential enquiries / further information about the role, please contact Dr Andrew Dunbar, Executive Director, Industry, Innovation and Small Business via *@sa.gov.au

How to Apply:

All applications must be submitted through the I Work For SA website.

Applicants are required to submit the following:

- Cover letter demonstrating the suitability for the role by addressing the key competencies (3 pages max)
- Curriculum Vitae (4 pages max)
- Prepare 3 referees (at least one should be current or recent line manager), to be provided on request.
- Pre-employment Declaration Form – find the attachment on the job advert.

Applications close: 25/08/2026 11:00 PM Attachments:

- DSD Role Description - Director, Office for Small & Family Business.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf

Flexibility Statement The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.

📌 Director, Office for Small and Family Business (Adelaide)
🏢 Department of State Development
📍 Adelaide