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, adaptable

workplace.

For more information about our agency, please visit:

Department of State Development |

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.

- Strong 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
- 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