Growth & Engagement Lead - Fixed Term

Location: Gunnedah, NSW 

Contract Type: Full Time (Fixed Term - 7 Months with opportunity to extend), 35 hours per week 

Salary Range: Grade 14 ($1696.89 - $1873.02 per week + 12% Superannuation)

Application Deadline: 5:00pm, Monday 3 November 2025

A council truly passionate about community!

Gunnedah Shire Council is an integral part of the Gunnedah community, a vibrant, warm and friendly town surrounded by the expansive Liverpool Plains and framed by the Nandewar Ranges. At Gunnedah Shire Council we are committed to providing a friendly and helpful service to all stakeholders. We are dedicated to Gunnedah being a liveable and accessible community for all ages and demographics. Additionally, as a council we are proud to promote economic and business development in the region.

We are not only invested in the people of Gunnedah, we are also heavily invested in its employees and their future careers.

Are you passionate about driving regional growth and creating strong business connections?

Gunnedah Shire Council is seeking a motivated and collaborative professional to lead our economic development function.

• Looking for a tree change? Enjoy a rural community lifestyle!
• Fantastic opportunity to advance your career in a vibrant local community!
• Receive an attractive salary up to $97,000/year (depending on experience/qualifications) PLUS super and salary packaging options! 
• Additional benefits include relocation assistance for the right applicant, a paid rostered day off every three weeks, ongoing professional development opportunities and negotiable flexibility!

Our Next Growth & Engagement Lead

Reporting to the Manager Economy and Growth, you will be responsible for operating within and promoting the virtues of Council's core values. You will have a focus on building sustainable economic resilience in the shire through diversification, preparation, rapid response and recovery especially to mitigate natural disasters or external shocks. You will also be responsible for recording and reporting of research and data to support continued population and economic growth. 

Key Responsibilities

• Activating the Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy and delivering agreed priority projects
• Driving the development, implementation and promotion of the strategic economic development framework for the Gunnedah Shire to facilitate the sustainable economic growth and prosperity of the Shire.
• Promotion and facilitation of economic development, business and employment opportunities in the Gunnedah Shire to ensure it maintains vibrant and viable businesses, commercial and industrial centres and allowing the Shire to thrive economically and socially.
• Providing services and support to the business community, to assist them in becoming more competitive and informed.
• Providing timely advice and support potential businesses and developers.
• Assisting in the implementation and further development of the Gunnedah Community Strategic Plan.
• Actively attracting businesses and services to the Shire.
• Identifying, promoting and assisting in the implementation of relevant government, education and industry business development and funding programs that aim to promote and grow local business and industry sectors and benefit the broader business community.

Key Requirements

• Relevant qualification in economic development, economics, marketing or similar field.
• Detailed knowledge and/or working experience in the economic development, marketing and/or business development field.
• Demonstrated excellent professional networking and communication skills, including the ability to negotiate with and influence client groups and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake project management and research requiring the exercise of a high degree of judgment, initiative and sensitivity.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks exercise initiative, meet deadlines and to operate under pressure.
• Demonstrated skills and knowledge in use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and continued commitment to work according to Councils' policies and Code of Conduct, with or without supervision.
• Current valid NSW Class C Drivers Licence (ongoing employment is conditional on maintaining this Licence).

* While not required, desirable characteristics of a successful candidate could include:

• Experience in Local Government.
• Experience working in stakeholder engagement or business development in the private or public sector.
• A broad knowledge of economic development issues from a regional perspective and its relationship to regional Australia
• Familiarity with key government departments and organisations involved in economic development.
• Previous experience in undertaking the preparation of complex submissions and funding applications including grant writing

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill.  If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

Why Join Gunnedah Shire Council?

Some of the benefits working for Gunnedah Shire Council include:

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community.
• Receive annual award salary increases with potential for further increases during performance appraisal cycles
• 35 hours per week 
• Rostered day off every 3 weeks
• Long service leave after 5 years
• Salary packaging and salary sacrificing options available
• Supportive and dynamic work environment.
• Professional development and career growth opportunities.
• 4 weeks annual leave
• Access to employee wellbeing programs
• Active social club

For further information regarding this role please contact Susan Frater, Manager Economy and Growth, on 02 6740 2100 or see the Position Description

How to Apply

Please read the Position Description by clicking on the link above.  It is important to read this carefully to understand what the job involves.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification or skill.  If your experience looks a little different from what we have identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you!

If this sounds like you, click the Apply button below, complete the application form. Please ensure you answer all questions and upload a current resume and cover letter outlining your suitability for this role, as well as any copies of relevant qualifications that support your application.

Further information

As part of the recruitment process, suitable applicants will be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include relevant background checks, functional capacity assessment and drug and alcohol screening. Our recruitment process is primarily via system generated emails.  Please ensure your email is correct before submitting your application to avoid missing crucial updates and outcomes.

Email notifications may include application confirmation, interview invitations, request for references, and application outcomes.  Please check your email regularly, including your junk email.

Council is an equal opportunity employer is committed to a merit-based workforce that encompasses inclusiveness and diversity in an environment of mutual respect. We invite, encourage, welcome and value candidate of all ages and from all backgrounds.

For all enquiries regarding the application and recruitment process, please contact the People and Culture team on 02 6740 2100 or peopleandculture@gunnedah.nsw.gov.au