Dungog Shire Council

Manager Economy & Strategic Projects

About us

Dungog Shire Council supports a growing rural community of almost 10,000 residents in the vibrant and picturesque Hunter region of NSW. We are committed to ensuring the ongoing and consistent delivery of local services that are valued by our community and will be for generations to come.

It is anticipated that our population will grow by 1.9% per annum over the next 20 years as per the Hunter Regional Plan, higher than the state growth average. With an additional 2,400 dwellings to be provided over the term of the Hunter Regional Plan, Dungog will be the second fastest growing LGA in the Hunter Region.

Dungog is ideally located just over an hour north of Newcastle and within close proximity to a range of other regional hubs in the Hunter Valley, such as Maitland and Raymond Terrace. We have an enviable lifestyle with easy access to World Heritage listed sites, such as Barrington Tops National Park.

Your next opportunity

Dungog Shire Council is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking leader to join our Leadership Team as Manager Economy & Strategic Projects. This strategic leadership role is responsible for driving economic development, tourism, investment attraction and strategic projects that support the long-term growth and prosperity of the Dungog Shire.

Working closely with the General Manager, Executive Leadership Team and external stakeholders, you will identify and deliver high-value economic and commercial opportunities, maximise the potential of Council assets and help shape the future of the Shire through strategic property initiatives, catalyst property developments and major projects.

We are looking for a collaborative and commercially astute leader with experience in economic development, strategic projects, property development, investment attraction or related fields. You will bring strategic thinking, strong stakeholder engagement skills and a demonstrated ability to deliver complex initiatives and positive outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future direction of the Dungog Shire and deliver projects that support sustainable growth, investment and community prosperity.

For further information about the role please refer to the Position Description and Recruitment Information Pack available on our website.

Essential selection criteria include (full criteria in the Position Description):

• Degree or tertiary qualifications in
  Economics, Business, Tourism, Property Development or a highly relevant
  discipline
• Significant proven experience preparing,
  executing and monitoring economic development, tourism, investment attraction
  or business growth strategies
• Extensive experience managing complex
  capital projects, commercial property portfolios, strategic property projects
  or precinct developments
• Demonstrated expertise in budget
  development, corporate financial management and securing complex external grant
  funding
• Strong commercial acumen combined with an
  innovative, entrepreneurial approach to community asset development

Be rewarded

This position is placed at Grade 14 of Council’s salary system. This is a permanent, full-time opportunity. The salary offered is up to $130,613 per annum plus 12% Superannuation and leaseback vehicle. A market premium may be applied for the right candidate.

This role works a 19-day month with 1 rostered day off (RDO) every 4 weeks.

Other Council benefits:

• Extra leave between the Christmas and New Year period (additional to your annual leave)
• Flexible work arrangements
• Outstanding team environment
• Ongoing opportunities for professional development: We have annual assessments for all Council employees to put plans in place for training and career progression so that you can broaden your horizons during your time with us
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years rather than 10

How to apply

Thank you for your interest in working with Dungog Shire Council.

You can apply now using our simple online application form. You are able to start an application and complete it at a time that suits you by selecting the Save For Later button.

To submit your application, please follow the below steps:

1. Fill out the required personal details and online questions below
2. Attach the requested documents (e.g. resume, cover letter, qualifications, licences)
3. Review your application and select Confirm

What happens next?

You will receive an automated acknowledgement email once you have submitted your application. We will be in touch once we have reviewed your application. Please note that Council reserves the right to review applications before the close date, so we recommend you apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

Please be aware that Council is required to complete pre-employment checks on recommended candidates prior to an offer of employment. These may include: reference checks, a pre-employment medical assessment, a criminal history check and/or a psychometric assessment.

For further information, please contact: Gareth Curtis, General Manager on 0408 718 675

Applications close: Sunday 2 August 2026 AEST 11:59 PM