The Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate CMTEDD leads the ACT Public Service and provides strategic advice and support to the Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development and Cabinet on policy, financial and economic matters.
Operating as both a state and local government, the ACT has a unique governance model and a distinctive economic profile. With a highly educated population, world-class universities and research institutions, and a strong public sector foundation, Canberra is well positioned to capitalise on its strengths as a knowledge-driven, globally connected city.
Economic Development sits within the Chief Minister stream and exists to facilitate the Territory’s economic prosperity in line with the Government’s commitment to sustainable development. Its portfolio spans artsACT, Sport and Recreation, Visit Canberra, Events ACT, Skills Canberra, Study Canberra and Business and Innovation. Together, these functions promote visitation and investment, grow emerging enterprises and sectors, strengthen skills capability, support elite and community sport, deliver major events and steward significant venues and infrastructure across the city.
Working across government, industry and the community, the division plays a central role in advancing a shared vision for Canberra as a confident, creative and economically resilient city.
The opportunity
Reporting to the Director-General, who is also the Head of Service, the Deputy Director-General, Economic Development is responsible for the strategic direction, governance and day-to-day leadership of a division of approximately 200 staff.
This is a rare and energising opportunity to shape the next phase of Canberra’s economic evolution. The ACT’s economy is distinctive, with a strong services base and deep public sector presence. The opportunity lies in building on existing strengths including higher education, research excellence, innovation capability, skilled migration, the arts and creative industries, tourism, major events and city-shaping infrastructure.
You will lead a high-performing team to identify and unlock new opportunities, broaden the Territory’s economic base, and drive sustainable growth that enhances productivity, liveability and global reputation. From strengthening international aviation links and attracting investment, to supporting entrepreneurs and developing emerging sectors, this role demands both strategic foresight and decisive execution.
The Deputy Director-General works collaboratively with Ministers, Directors-General and senior leaders across government to ensure a whole-of-government approach to economic development. You will represent the ACT Government in national and international forums, engage confidently with business and industry leaders, and build trusted partnerships that translate ambition into tangible outcomes.
Highly visible and accountable, the role requires sound judgement, integrity and careful stewardship of public resources. You will balance ambition with responsibility, ensuring growth is inclusive, sustainable and aligned with the ACT’s long-term aspirations.
About you
You are an accomplished senior executive with substantial government experience and strong economic and commercial acumen. You combine intellectual rigour with entrepreneurial drive and are comfortable operating at the intersection of policy, business and community.
You bring:
- Proven executive leadership experience in economic development, industry, innovation, skills, tourism, major events or a related portfolio
- Exceptional strategic thinking and high-level policy advisory capability
- The ability to engage and influence the business community and external stakeholders with credibility and confidence
- Political awareness and sound judgement, with a strong commitment to ethical practice and public accountability
- A collaborative leadership style that builds capability, inspires teams and fosters cross-government partnership
- Energy, resilience and a practical focus on delivery
Remuneration
The position attracts a remuneration package of $446,602 or $460,418 depending on the current superannuation arrangements of the successful applicant. This includes a cash component of $394,757.
Contract
The successful applicant will be engaged under a performance-based long-term contract for a period of up to five years. Prospective applicants should be aware that long-term engagements are tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
How to apply
Before applying, please obtain selection documentation from act@orchardtalent.com.au Ref. DDG CMTEDD.
If, after reading the selection documentation, you require further information, please contact Adam Dent or Lisa Gleichmann of The Orchard Talent Group via email act@orchardtalent.com.au
To Apply, please send all selection documentation to act@orchardtalent.com.au.
Applications close 28 March 2026 at 11:55pm.
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.