The Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport (CITS) acknowledges the Aboriginal people throughout Western Australia as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands, waters, and communities in which we operate. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal people and their cultures, and to Elders past and present.

About the department

CITS is a diverse agency that supports all Western Australians by giving them opportunities to reach their potential and live their very best lives. Staff in our department work across the portfolios of creative industries; sport and recreation; tourism and multicultural interests.  We’re also responsible for supporting major events and infrastructure projects throughout WA:

• We support a sustainable arts and cultural sector that facilitates social and economic wellbeing by building capacity of the sector, the provision of funding and grants, progressing infrastructure projects, providing research, policy, information and support.
• We help maintain a strong and diverse sport and recreation sector by removing barriers to participation, providing funding and support for the sector through grants, infrastructure and major capital projects.
• We promote and support multiculturalism, through the Office of Multicultural Interests, which strengthens communities to ensure WA is a vibrant and effective multicultural society.
• We champion WA’s tourism industry and promote Western Australia as an incredible destination.
• We support the people of WA, including First Nations peoples, to connect to their culture and history through Aboriginal History Western Australia, and the State Records Office.

Why work with us?

Our strength comes from our people.

At CITS, we bring together talented, passionate and creative people from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives — and we genuinely value the unique contribution every person brings to our organisation.

If you want to work in an inspirational organisation where you have a voice and can contribute to the things that matter to you, then join our awesome team!

We are proudly an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace equity. We support diversity and inclusion in the public sector because it makes us stronger as an organisation, and better able to meet our community’s needs.  We strongly encourage people with disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women and youth to apply.

CITS is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

For further information on CITS, visit our website. You can also keep up to date on CITS achievements and activities by following us on LinkedIn.

About Creative Industries

The Creative Industries team supports a thriving WA arts and cultural sector and promotes participation and achievement in culture and the arts. The team works to highlight the social and economic benefits to the community from the creation of, and engagement in, high-quality arts experiences, including increased wellbeing and connection. We support these activities through grants and investment programs, research and policy development. Through recognising the importance of sharing Western Australia’s unique stories and cultures, including those of First Nations peoples, we make our communities richer, more vibrant and more engaged.  

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional, creative and strategic leader who thrives in fast moving environments, brings energy and innovation and is passionate about delivering projects that make a genuine difference and create meaningful impact.  

This is a pivotal executive leadership role shaping the future of Western Australia's creative industries sector. Leading the Creative Industries Division, you will drive an ambitious vision for the sector through strategic policy, investment and partnerships, influencing outcomes across government, industry and the community.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will provide expert advice to the Director General, Deputy Director General and Minister, shape State and national creative industries agendas, and lead bold collaborations that strengthen the growth, resilience and impact of the sector.

To be successful, you will bring substantial executive leadership experience together with a strong understanding of the creative industries, arts and culture landscape. You will have a proven track record leading complex policy, investment, program or reform initiatives within government or in environments requiring significant government engagement, and the ability to build influential relationships across industry, community and the public sector.

You will be equally comfortable navigating government processes and stakeholder environments as you are engaging with creative practitioners, cultural institutions, industry leaders and funding bodies to achieve meaningful outcomes.

If you are looking for a role where your contribution will be visible, influential and experienced across Western Australia and beyond, we’d love to hear from you.

We have one full time, fixed term Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment available for up to five years.

This role offers an exciting opportunity for an inspirational leader to drive a culture of achievement and deliver meaningful change to make a lasting impact the direction, growth, and resilience of the creative industries sector.

For further job-related information, please contact, Sarah Whitelaw, Recruitment Consultant on 0408 164 695 or via sarah.whitelaw@qlmc.com.au (only contact for information about the role).

What’s in it for you?

The opportunity for career and leadership development in a collaborative environment that values diversity and recognises and respects contributions from all. In addition to flexible working options, generous leave entitlements and access to a broad range of wellbeing benefits. 

For further information on these benefits visit our Careers page.

Location

This role is based in the Perth Metropolitan area.

How to apply for this position

Applicants are encouraged to apply online and must provide:

• A comprehensive CV
• A two (2) A4 page cover letter outlining how your skills, experience and career achievements meet the Essential Selection Criteria and the expected behaviours of the position
• Contact details of two referees, with a preference of one from a current/most recent line manager

For further details on how to apply please read ‘Information for Applicants’.

Please note that all of the Essential Selection Criteria may be assessed at some stage during the selection process.

To submit your application, please click on the ‘Apply for Job’ button.

Pre-employment conditions

To be eligible for appointment, applicants must be an Australian citizen, have permanent resident status in Australia or have a visa that allows you to live and work in Australia for the period of your employment contract.          
Successful applicants will be required to complete the below prior to commencement:

• A current (within 6 months) National Police Clearance Certificate will be required prior to commencement of employment.
• Pre employment Conflict of Interest form. Please see attached Conflict of Interest guide for further information.
• Given this is a position of trust, we will ask referees to comment on your integrity and past demonstration of ethical behaviour. 

Further information

If you have any access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, or alternative methods of communication, please contact Recruitment and Establishment on 08 6552 7540 or recruitmentandestablishment@cits.wa.gov.au  

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the following numbers:

TTY/voice calls: 133 677

Speak & Listen: 1300 555 727

SMS relay: 0423 677 767

To avoid last minute congestion of the system which may result in your application being received after the closing time and therefore not be eligible, please endeavour to submit your application well before the closing time as late applications will not be accepted.

While this selection process will initially be used to fill the above vacancy, applicants found suitable for this position may be considered for ‘similar’ vacancies within CITS and/or the wider public sector which arise within 12 months of the recruitment process being endorsed. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, then the next most suitable applicant may also be selected from this process. Future vacancies may be considered to fill fixed term, permanent, part-time or full-time roles.

Surplus employees may be refereed and considered throughout this process.

An executive search may be undertaken as part of the recruitment to this role to ensure a competitive field and this may extend past the closing date.

Closing date: Monday, 10 August 2026 at 4.00 pm (AWST)