The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) leads the sustainable development of Western Australia’s (WA) regions and agriculture, aquaculture, food and fisheries sectors. In everything we do, we take an approach to protect, grow and innovate WA’s economy, community and environment. To learn more about our department, our team and the work we do, please visit our website.
About the Opportunity
DPIRD is seeking a strategic and influential leader for the position of Director Policy and Strategic Advice.The role will lead the agriculture policy, economics and communications teams within the Primary Industries Development (PID) Pillar, bringing together strategic policy advice, economic analysis and communications to elevate DPIRD’s policy positioning and external profile.
This is a permanent – full time position and is available for immediate filling. This position is based in Perth Metropolitan Area, however regional locations across WA may be considered.
You will build and leverage senior relationships with industry bodies, research organisations, and government agencies to shape DPIRD’s strategic agriculture policy direction, inform long-term science and research priorities, and investment focus across WA’s primary industries. This role provides authoritative advice that influences government decision making, investment choices and long-term strategic outcomes.
Reporting to and advising the Executive Director Intensive and Irrigated Plant Systems, you will provide senior strategic leadership across policy, economics and communications, delivering coordination, strategic alignment and expert advice that drives the pillar’s priorities and supports high-value outcomes for WA’s primary industries, ensuring DPIRD anticipates and responds to emerging issues, market signals, and national and global trends.
You will lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering a high performance culture that values strategic thinking, collaboration and influence.
We are seeking individuals who demonstrate:
- The ability to set strategic direction and translate complex environments into clear priorities, and guides others through ambiguity.
- Proven experience influencing government decision‑making, reform agendas or investment priorities, drawing on policy, economic and evidence‑based advice.
- Strong leadership capability, including experience building and leading multi‑disciplinary teams and establishing new or evolving functions.
- Highly developed communication skills, including experience shaping strategic narratives, overseeing communications strategies and influencing senior decision‑makers.
- Experience representing organisational positions and negotiating outcomes with senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Advanced analytical and judgement capability, including the ability to balance competing priorities, risks and opportunities to deliver long‑term outcomes.
For further information and special requirements for this role please see attached Job Description Form (JDF).
Equity and Diversity
At DPIRD we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are an equal opportunity employer. We value and strongly encourage people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, women and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to apply for positions within our agency.
How to Apply
Click the Apply button and attach the following to your application:
- A comprehensive CV that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements including details of two (2) referees.
- A cover letter of no more than two (2) pages in length demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience relate to the following Role Specific Requirements:
- Experience effecting meaningful policy change within or across government.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and experience leading a communications strategy.
- Experience representing and advocating a position to a range of external parties.
- Your cover letter should also:
- Clearly demonstrate what you will bring to the role in the context of the required leadership behaviours and mindset, as well as your alignment with DPIRD’s values (For an overview of the department’s values, please refer to the attached DPIRD Applicant Information Kit).
- Demonstrate your leadership approach, strategic judgement and ability to integrate policy, scientific insight and communications to deliver impact.
It is recommended that you consider all information contained in the advertisement and any other related information. All Work-Related Requirements will be assessed at some stage during the selection process.
Need further information?
For a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Sam Oakden, Executive Director, Intensive and Irrigated Plant Systems, on 0448 146 977 during office hours.
If you experience technical difficulties applying online, please contact the RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 in the first instance. For further information about the recruitment process please contact our Employment team on (08) 6552 1943.
Employment Conditions and Additional Information
DPIRD is an Emergency Management Agency and all employees may be required to work or travel during, or outside of, normal business hours to assist with incidents and emergencies.
Am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible for a permanent appointment to the Western Australian public sector you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia. To be eligible for a fixed term or a casual appointment you must have documentary evidence of your entitlement to live and work in Australia for the period as part of your application.
You will be required to provide a current National Police Certificate (police clearance) before commencing employment. If not currently held, this must be acquired prior to appointment at applicant’s expense.
This process may be used to fill other same/similar fixed term, permanent, vacancies that arise in DPIRD at locations listed in this advert. In addition to this, should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position, the panel may select another suitable applicant from this selection process. Both of these options remain valid for a period of twelve (12) months from the approval of the initial recruitment decision.
The recruitment process may include online written assessments, psychometric, cognitive or other testing, job-related tasks, video or live stream interviews, documentation and reference checks or other assessment methodologies as required. We reserve the right to supplement the field of applicants via an executive search if required.
Please ensure you have plenty of time to submit your application to allow for unanticipated problems, as late and proforma applications will not be accepted. (Please note: Online lodgement is system generated. Any submissions on or after 4:00pm will not be accepted).
