Colac Otway Shire

Economic Development Officer

• Salary - Up to $104,847 TRP + Monthly Rostered Day Off
• Career & Lifestyle Opportunity - work in the beautiful Colac Otway Shire region
• Build Local, State & National Partnerships

Economic Development Officer

Lead initiatives that boost local business growth, secure investment, and strengthen economic partnerships.

Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking a proactive and commercially minded Economic Development Officer to take on a newly created role with real influence.

This role is focused on targeted delivery and business engagement - working closely with local businesses, industry, and government partners to support growth, unlock opportunity and strengthen the region's economic resilience.

If you're motivated by impact, partnerships, and the chance to make a visible difference in a regional community, this role offers exactly that.

Why Colac Otway?

Just one hour from Geelong, Colac Otway offers more than a career move, it's a genuine lifestyle shift. From the rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road to lush rainforests and volcanic lakes, the region combines natural beauty with real economic opportunity and strong potential for future growth.

About the role

Reporting to the Manager Economy and Creative Industries, this is a high-visibility, hands-on role supporting delivery of Council's Economic Development Strategy and business engagement priorities.

You will work across Council and with external stakeholders to provide practical support to businesses, coordinate economic development initiatives, and contribute to projects that strengthen the local economy.

You will:

• Oversee and report on delivery of the Economic Development Strategy, ensuring actions are implemented and outcomes achieved.
• Identify and progress investment and development opportunities across the region.
• Work closely with local businesses, providing hands-on support through a business concierge approach.
• Build strong partnerships across industry, government, and key stakeholders.
• Developing clear and engaging communications and marketing content to promote Council initiatives and opportunities.
• Drive initiatives that enhance the region's profile and attract new opportunities.

About you

You bring energy, initiative and a genuine interest in regional development, backed by a strong work ethic and a practical, hands-on approach. You enjoy working directly with businesses, building relationships through face-to-face engagement, and contributing to clear, effective communications that support Council initiatives.

You will bring:

• Experience in economic development, business engagement, industry development, marketing or related areas.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to identify growth and investment opportunities.
• Confidence managing projects and delivering outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse audiences.
• Analytical and research capability to inform strategy and decision-making.

Tertiary qualifications in Business, Economics, Commerce, Marketing, Communications, Planning or a related field would be required. Experience in local government or a large, complex organisation would be highly regarded.

Why this role?

This role offers the opportunity to genuinely influence outcomes and contribute to the region's economic growth. You'll be supported by a committed leadership team, with the scope to shape your role and to play a key part in strengthening the economic future of the Colac Otway region.

For a candidate pack or to apply, please visitMcArthurhere

For a confidential conversation, please contactDanielle Juppon (03) 9828 6565or0403 398 242.

Applications close: Sunday 12th May 2026

Pleasedo not use the "Application Form" tab above or the "Apply Now" button below to submit your application. All applications must be submitted to McArthur directly via the link above.