Project Director, Policy, Strategy and Industry Insights

About this role

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director, Future Fibre Industry, the Project Director, Policy, Strategy and Industry Insights will play a critical leadership role in shaping the future of Victoria's forest products sector. You will drive the development of strategies and policies that support a competitive and sustainable forest products industry, with a focus on increasing employment - particularly in rural and regional areas.

Leading a high-performing team, you will oversee a work program that informs policy and program development to expand the plantation estate (for both timber and carbon), explore investment attraction opportunities, and provide technical and industry insights that enable long-term industry growth.

As a senior leader within Agriculture Victoria, you will also contribute to the broader strategic direction and operations of the Group, ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and standards. Success in this role will require strong strategic acumen, proven experience leading teams through change, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders.

About you

To be successful in the role, you will have the following qualifications and experience:

• A substantial understanding of the global and local forestry policy and operational issues (highly desirable).
• A tertiary qualification in forestry (highly regarded), or qualifications in public policy, economics, commerce, science, or a related discipline (well regarded).
• Demonstrated experience or a sound understanding of the commercial forestry and/or carbon sectors.

About the Group

Agriculture Victoria consists of Agriculture Victoria Research, Biosecurity and Agriculture Services, Agriculture Policy, Animal Welfare Victoria and Agriculture Regulatory Policy, Agriculture Victoria Business and Finance Services, and Forestry Industry. Across these areas Agriculture Victoria delivers:

• Policy and program development for agriculture, food safety, food security, biosecurity, agriculture, native timber and veterinary chemicals
• Domestic animal and animal welfare research, policy, education and compliance
• Emergency preparedness, response and recovery
• Research in science and technology leading to innovative farming systems, products and services
• Facilitation of development projects
• Community and industry engagement, education, practice change and enforcement services
• Supporting the transition of the native timber sector following the end of native timber harvesting
• Regulation and oversight of statutory regulators
• Assistance to drive export activity, market access and investment attraction.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 3 years. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information, please refer to the attached position description or call Deborah Hall - Executive Director, Future Fibre Industry on 0402 092 110 or email Deborah.Hall@deeca.vic.gov.au.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday, 20 August 2025.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to:

• undertake pre-employment screening, including completion of a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check
• have their misconduct declarations validated, irrespective of whether misconduct has been declared or not
• provide at least two appropriate referees, including their current direct line manager or where relevant (i.e. because they are not employed) most recent direct line manager in accordance with the requirements set out in executive reference checks.
• provide evidence of their right to work in Australia

For more information about the pre-screening requirements for this position, please refer to the position description.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. 

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace
DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.