Executive Director, Employment and Trade Policy

About the role

The Executive Director, Employment and Trade Policy provides senior leadership for the development of strategic policy advice across employment, skilled migration, international education and trade. Reporting to the Deputy Director‑General, the role shapes Queensland’s employment and trade agenda within a dynamic public‑sector environment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of policy initiatives that meet government commitments and targets.
• Provide executive direction across portfolios covering skills and training, employment, migration, education and trade.
• Maintain strong liaison with other government departments, national bodies and external stakeholders to foster strategic partnerships.
• Inspire and manage a high‑performing policy team, driving performance and aligning service standards with corporate goals.
• Contribute to divisional planning, ensuring policies are inclusive, evidence‑based and responsive to community needs.
• Navigate complex organisational and sensitive environments while upholding professionalism and departmental priorities.

Required profile

• Demonstrated senior organisational leadership within the public sector.
• Proven ability to translate strategic priorities into measurable outcomes.
• Experience in inclusive policy development and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong change‑management capability with a proactive, optimistic approach.
• Excellent communication skills and the capacity to lead teams through complex environments.

Required skills