ABOUT AGRIFUTURES AUSTRALIA

At AgriFutures Australia, we grow the long-term prosperity of Australian rural industries and communities by funding bold research and delivering programs that empower industries to tackle emerging challenges and seize future opportunities.

The Rural Futures program is where strategic foresight meets public policy. We collaborate with government, industry, and communities as change catalysts to deliver cross-sectoral research and strategic insights that inform the agenda for rural industries. As strategists, we provide data, evidence, and insights to drive the organisation to shape targeted initiatives, strengthen messaging, and build the future-ready capability of rural industries.

We’re looking for a confident collaborator and strategic thinker—someone who thrives on complex national issues and wants to help shape the future of Australian agriculture and regional communities.

DUTIES

As Manager Rural Futures, you’ll lead the development and delivery of forward-thinking research and policy insights that respond to critical national challenges such as climate resilience, workforce futures, systems innovation, and regional transitions.

This role combines strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and exceptional project management. You will work across government portfolios, research partners, and rural sectors to drive alignment and unlock new insights. You’ll be at the forefront of translating emerging trends and complex systems into actionable ideas that support long-term industry prosperity.

This is a future-facing, outward-looking role that offers the chance to influence strategic direction, shape policy agendas, drive cross-sectoral collaboration, and deliver measurable impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and execution of strategic, policy-oriented research addressing national rural issues
• Identify and explore emerging trends and foresight insights with cross-sector relevance
• Collaborate across Commonwealth and State/Territory governments, Rural Development Corporations, industry bodies, and academia to build shared investment and research agendas
• Develop and manage high-quality RD&E projects, including procurement, contract milestones, and performance monitoring.
• Apply exceptional project management skills to ensure programs are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget — from concept to completion.
• Manage the delivery of high-quality, user-ready research outputs and policy insights that inform decisions and national strategies
• Contribute to program planning, impact evaluation, and communication of outcomes
• Support steering committees and stakeholder groups, ensuring inclusive engagement and governance
• Represent AgriFutures in national policy, strategy, and research forums
• Support the Senior Manager, Rural Futures in delivering the vision and outcomes of the program
• Other duties as required.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated experience in strategy, public policy, or insight roles (ideally in Government, think tanks, RDCs, or industry bodies)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in program management or strategic policy development roles
• Strong understanding of rural innovation systems, agricultural policy, or regional development
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and strategic communication skills
• Demonstrated experience in exceptional project management, including planning, execution, budgeting, risk management, and evaluation.
• Strong capability to design and manage research programs that meet end-user needs and deliver clear outcomes.
• Strong analytical, policy analysis, and project management skills
• Experience in monitoring, evaluating and reporting on program and project impact
• High emotional intelligence and a collaborative mindset.

WHY JOIN US?

• Be part of a small, high-impact team working on big-picture national challenges
• Lead future-focused research and policy initiatives that have real-world impact
• Work across sectors and portfolios to drive alignment and innovation
• Influence how Australia’s rural industries prepare for and shape the future.

HOW TO APPLY

Please click APPLY or alternatively you can email your CV to [email protected]