Are you ready to help shape the future of one of NSW’s most diverse regional economies?
MidCoast Council is seeking an experienced and strategic Manager – Economic and Destination Development to lead initiatives that support sustainable economic growth, investment attraction and destination development across the MidCoast region.
This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role in strengthening the region’s economy, supporting local businesses, attracting new industries and positioning the MidCoast as a destination of choice for visitors, residents and investors.
If you are looking for a career move where you can deliver meaningful economic outcomes while enjoying an incredible lifestyle on the beautiful Barrington Coast, we encourage you to apply.
The role
Reporting to the Executive Manager Sustainable Development, this leadership role is responsible for guiding Council’s Economic and Destination Development Department and delivering programs that support economic growth, business development and tourism across the MidCoast region.
You will lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for economic development initiatives, destination management, visitor servicing and industry engagement, while working collaboratively across Council and with external partners to drive investment and regional growth.
The role is responsible for 20 people across three functional areas of economic development, visitor services and event attraction and approval. The region boasts two accredited visitor information centres that service over 20,000 visitors a year. Located in Forster and Gloucester, you will be responsible for managing the delivery of exceptional visitor services at these sites.
What you'll bring
- Degree qualifications in Economics, Commerce, Business or a related discipline
- Significant experience leading economic development, investment attraction or regional development initiatives
- Strong knowledge of local government operations and legislative frameworks
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and delivering strategic programs
- Proven ability to develop and maintain strong partnerships across industry, business and government
- Experience developing and implementing economic development strategies and programs
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make evidence-based decisions
- Excellent communication and report writing skills, including the ability to provide high-level strategic advice
What we offer?
We are committed to supporting the wellbeing and professional growth of our employees and offer a range of benefits including:
- A supportive and collaborative leadership environment
- Flexible work options, including varied start/finish times and hybrid work arrangements where operationally appropriate
- Above Award parental leave provisions
- Study assistance and study leave for professional development
- Ongoing personal and professional development programs
- State-of-the-art office environment designed for collaboration and innovation
- Journey to work cover for additional security and peace of mind
- A stunning work-life balance in the beautiful MidCoast region of New South Wales, offering coastal and country living
Salary: A Total Remuneration Package starting at -$174,000 per annum will be offered, inclusive of base salary (starting at $144,000 per annum), a $12,000 car allowance, and 12% superannuation. The final package will be negotiated commensurate with the skills, experience, and qualifications of the successful candidate.
Additionally, a vehicle arrangement will be made with the successful candidate for this role. Council will provide you with a leaseback vehicle for an annual fee calculated as 20% of the gross purchase price. This is a fully maintained vehicle for both business and full private use with no additional expenses in normal use.
Location: This position will be based at our Administration Centre in Yalawanyi Ganya at 2 Biripi Way, Taree. You may also be required to be based from other Council sites across the MidCoast Council region.
Tenure: Permanent, Full Time.
Closing date: 22 March 2026 at 11.30pm.
Want to know more?
Please review the position description in PDF or Word formats
For questions relating to the position requirements please contact Rachel Pleasant, Executive Manager Sustainable Development who is the hiring manager for this role and can be reached on 02 7955 7392 or rachel.pleasant@midcoast.nsw.gov.au.
For enquiries regarding the application process please contact Loretta Anderson who is the HR representative for this role and can be reached on 02 7955 7316 or loretta.anderson@midcoast.nsw.gov.au.