Regional Development Australia Murray (RDAM) is seeking a Policy & Research Manager to join its growing team and support the economic development and resilience of the Murray region.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Policy & Research Manager will lead the development, delivery and evaluation of research and policy initiatives, program management, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen the Murray region’s workforce, infrastructure, and economic outcomes.

This position suits an agile, outcomes-driven professional who is confident managing projects, reading data and producing high-quality written content, as well as working with stakeholders across all levels of government, industry and community.

Key responsibilities

Research & data analysis

Collect, analyse, and interpret economic, demographic, labour market, and workforce data using REMPLAN, ABS, and other sources.

Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for strategic planning, advocacy, and investment decisions.

Contribute to economic analysis services for local government, industry, and community organisations, including modelling, forecasting, and benchmarking.

Generate high-quality reports, briefings and visualisations that communicate findings to diverse audiences.

Policy development & positioning

Conduct rigorous research and policy analysis on issues relevant to regional development.

Monitor policy trends, regional data and government initiatives, assessing their implications for the Murray region.

Draft policy submissions, position papers, briefing notes, and business cases.

Leverage data and policy research to develop strategic insights and thought leadership papers that support regional advocacy objectives and raise the profile of RDA Murray.

Program management

Manage the end-to-end delivery of strategic projects including scoping, design, implementation, and evaluation.

Support funding applications, acquittals, and reporting for projects aligned to regional priorities.

Apply project management methodologies to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned to strategy.

Contribute to the identification and design of new initiatives in response to emerging trends.

Stakeholder engagement & partnerships

Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with government, industry, councils, education providers, business and community groups.

Represent RDA Murray at meetings, forums, and events to advocate for regional priorities and promote shared outcomes.

Facilitate workshops, consultations, and roundtables to capture stakeholder perspectives.

Work with partners to assess the impact of funding and investments on regional workforce and productivity.

Facilitate partnerships that enhance investment, workforce development, and infrastructure opportunities across the region.

Organisational support

Collaborate with the RDA Murray team on shared issues and policy positions.

Contribute to the preparation of agendas, Board papers, and performance reporting.

Participate in RDA Murray’s strategic planning, program evaluation, and continuous improvement processes.

Support marketing activities where synergies exist, including the delivery of events, preparation of media content, newsletters, and analysis pieces.

Key Selection Criteria

Essential

Tertiary qualifications in a related field, such as economics, public policy, business, social sciences, or data analytics.

Demonstrated experience in leveraging data analysis to drive strategic thinking.

Proven ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable advice.

Highly developed written communication skills (briefs, submissions, reports, and presentations).

Experience managing projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.

Ability to work independently, think strategically, and contribute to organisational outcomes.

A strong interest in utilising AI to increase productivity and output.

A current driver’s license.

Desirable

Experience using REMPLAN or similar economic modelling tools.

Knowledge of regional development frameworks and issues relevant to the Murray region.

Skills in data visualisation and/or economic impact assessment.

Familiarity with funding applications and program evaluation.

Position Description

Employment type: Part Time (0.8 FTE)

Please email [email protected] to request a Position Description.

How To Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting their resume and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria to the CEO at [email protected]

Applications close on Sunday 2 November, 10pm AEDT.