Job Description

Senior Programs Lead

• Join Create NSW, a division within the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport
• Clerk Grade 9/10 with a salary range of $133,348- $146,945 + super & leave loading
• 3 x temporary roles until 30 June 2027 based in Sydney, NSW

Create NSW is looking for three experienced Senior Programs Leads to develop and deliver programs that make a real difference to NSW’s arts, cultural and creative industries.

These are exciting opportunities to join a team that works at the intersection of government, communities, culture and creativity, supporting programs that strengthen the vibrancy, diversity and growth of the creative sector across NSW.

About the role

As a Senior Programs Lead, you will take lead in the development, management and delivery of contemporary, inclusive and impactful programs and initiatives.

You will work closely with creative communities, industry stakeholders, government partners and funding bodies to design and deliver programs that respond to community and industry needs, support equitable access to opportunities and contribute to broader NSW Government priorities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the planning, development and delivery of programs and initiatives across priority areas of the arts, culture and creative industries.
• Building strong, collaborative relationships with creative communities, industry representatives and key stakeholders to support growth and improved outcomes.
• Developing and reviewing policies, practices and approaches that strengthen program outcomes and capability.
• Coordinating funding processes, including program launches, assessment and funding allocation, joint funding opportunities and engagement with third-party assessors.
• Ensuring funding processes are transparent, equitable and consistent with probity and government requirements.
• Identifying opportunities to showcase and advocate for the contribution of creative communities and industries to NSW's social and economic vibrancy.
• Developing meaningful engagement strategies and partnerships with organisations that represent or support priority communities and industries.
• Preparing high-quality reports, submissions, correspondence and business case material to support program delivery and decision-making.
• Contributing to program assessment, evaluation, governance and assurance, identifying risks and opportunities for continuous improvement.

For any role specific questions, please reach out to Michelle Duncombe, A/Associate Director Strategic Programs via Michelle.Duncombe@create.nsw.gov.au

Click here to view the role description!

About You

You are an experienced program or project professional who understands how to turn strategic priorities into practical, impactful programs.

You will bring experience developing and delivering programs within one or more of the following areas:

• Arts and cultural organisations
• Creative industries including fashion and textile industry
• Literature sector
• Performing arts
• Regional communities
• Western Sydney

You will also have strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to build trusted relationships across diverse communities, industries and government partners. You know how to listen, collaborate and influence to achieve shared outcomes.

Importantly, you are comfortable working across the full program lifecycle — from design and stakeholder engagement through to funding, delivery, evaluation and continuous improvement

How to Apply!

Your application must include a cover letter and an up-to-date resume that details your capabilities and experience in relation to the above role.

Closing Date Friday, 28th August 2026 [10.00AM]

Recruitment Contact Laura Steele, Talent Partner laura.steele@dciths.nsw.gov.au

Working at the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport

At the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport we bring vibrancy to NSW by growing our creative industries and workforces, driving strong visitor and night-time economies, ensuring a responsible hospitality sector, and putting arts, culture and sport at the heart of our communities.

Together we:

• Create social and economic opportunities for the state
• Support the creation of jobs across the creative, visitor and night-time economies
• Prioritise First Nations artists, stories and culture
• Ensure arts, culture and sport are at the heart of every community to be enjoyed and accessed by all
• Drive visitation through events, campaigns and visitor experience development
• Activate our night-time and creative economies to unlock unique precincts and community spaces
• Deliver a vibrant and responsible hospitality, liquor, racing and gaming environment
• Support NSW’s key Cultural Institutions to ensure access for all, enable community experiences and education and preserve the state’s diverse cultural assets and history

We believe diversity across our department allows us to be a true reflection of NSW citizens. We are a respectful workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you do require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please notify us on your application form.

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles for this role or similar roles that may become available over the next 18 months.