Premier’s Department

Director Innovation and Collaboration

You. At the centre of big ideas.

• Shape NSW’s innovation and investment future through high-profile policy, programs and grant funding at the centre of government
• Seeking a strategic, collaborative leader with strong influencing, stakeholder engagement and innovation ecosystem expertise
• Ongoing, PSSE Band 1 opportunity based in Martin Place, Sydney

Lead the development and delivery of innovation policy and programs that strengthen NSW’s innovation ecosystem. This role drives cross‑government collaboration and partners with industry and research to support start-ups, scale-ups and priority sectors, enabling new ideas to scale and deliver long-term economic and social impact.

About the Role

As Director, Innovation and Collaboration, you will lead the development and delivery of policy and programs that strengthen NSW’s innovation ecosystem. You will drive initiatives that foster deep collaboration across government, industry and research, supporting the growth of start-ups, scale-ups and priority industries, and enabling ideas to translate into commercial, economic and social outcomes.

Working at the centre of government, you will play a key role in delivering the NSW Innovation Blueprint 2035—aligning programs to whole-of-government and Industry Policy priorities and coordinating cross-agency activity to maximise impact. You will bring together diverse stakeholders to solve complex challenges and deliver shared outcomes for NSW.

You will oversee a portfolio of innovation programs from design through to delivery and evaluation, ensuring initiatives are evidence-based, deliver value for money, and respond to emerging opportunities. This includes maintaining strong systems, grant processes and financial management practices to ensure robust governance, accountability and effective delivery at scale.

A strong focus of the role is building and maintaining strategic partnerships across the ecosystem, including with start-ups, scale-ups, universities and industry.

As a senior leader, you will lead and develop a high-performing team, foster a culture of collaboration and accountability, and provide strategic, evidence-based advice to senior executives and Ministers on high-profile and often sensitive policy matters

You will join the Fostering Innovation branch within Investment NSW, driving growth through innovation by supporting startups, researchers and businesses to turn ideas into impact through targeted funding and programs

To learn more about the role please review the

We're Looking For

• Strategic innovation leadership: Experience leading policy, programs or initiatives that support innovation, industry growth and whole-of-government priorities.
• Collaboration and stakeholder influence: Strong ability to build trusted partnerships across government, industry, research organisations and other key ecosystem partners.
• Grants and program management: Demonstrated experience overseeing grant, funding or program delivery processes, including governance, assurance, evaluation, performance monitoring and value for money.
• Executive communication & judgement: Highly developed ability to provide clear, credible and evidence-based advice to senior executives and Ministers, including on sensitive and high-profile matters.
• Delivery, systems & accountability: Proven ability to manage complex programs, systems and processes, risks, resources and competing priorities while maintaining strong financial management, integrity, assurance and outcomes.
• Judgement & Complexity Management: Strong capacity to operate in complex and fast-paced environments, exercising sound judgement, managing risk and responding effectively to sensitive or contentious issues.
• People leadership & culture: A collaborative and inclusive leader who builds high-performing teams and fosters a positive, high-trust culture that supports innovation, capability development and continuous improvement.

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
• 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: Monday, 13 July 2026 (9:59 AM)

Salary: Senior Executive Band 1. Total remuneration package will be negotiated upon offer.

Hiring Manager: Jaclyn Aldenhoven, Executive Director, Fostering Innovation.
Contact: Yasmin Hunt via Yasmin.Hunt@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au

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 New 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 PCT@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au, or reaching out to the hiring manager.

Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.