Manager - Research & Development Tax Incentive, Executive Level 2, Commercialisation Division

• Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth
• Applications close 26 March at 11:30pm AEDT

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government's economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people's lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia's future.

About the Division
Commercialisation Division performs various policy advisory and program delivery functions in support of the Australian Government's agenda to grow innovative and competitive businesses and encourage the commercialisation of new ideas in Australia. Focus areas for the division include encouraging Australian entrepreneurs and businesses to invest in R&D, grow their business, take novel ideas to market, take risks and secure early-stage investment. The Division also provides support to, and delivers a range of programs on behalf of, Industry Innovation and Science Australia (IISA).

About the Branch
RDTI Branch delivers the Australian Government's flagship $4 billion R&D Tax Incentive Program ('the program'). The program is aimed at enhancing Australia's economic productivity by encouraging business investment in R&D and new-to-world innovations via a tax offset incentive. With staff located around Australia, the Branch's diverse responsibilities include:

• Co-administration of the program with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
• Delivering the program to more than 13,000 company registrants annually
• Undertaking risk-based program compliance activities
• Analysis and advice to government on RDTI Program design and business R&D issues
• Stewardship of program data, ICT systems, communications, governance and risk measures

You'll be joining at an exciting juncture in the RDTI Program when the Government is undertaking a Strategic Examination of Australia's R&D system with the aim of growing Australia's core science and innovation capability; program delivery demands are increasing as business increasingly experiments with frontier technologies; and the branch is investing in new data analysis and machine learning capabilities to enhance program efficiency and risk-based compliance.

You do not need to be a technical expert in R&D or taxation fields or have prior experience with the RDTI Program. We're interested in the transferrable attributes you would bring to the role. In particular, we're seeking candidates with:

• Adaptable leadership - the ability to lead change and respond to uncertainty whilst managing positive working relationships and collaborating with colleagues
• Interpersonal communication - the ability to communicate complex information influentially to diverse audiences
• Strategic and critical thinking - the ability to evaluate the 'bigger picture', make informed decisions, and act with an intellectual curiosity for improvement.
• Problem solving - ability to act with initiative to resourcefully implement solutions to challenges.
• Strong written expression - exceptional writing skills with the ability to produce high-quality documents and articulate ideas clearly and concisely.

Tertiary qualifications are desirable but not essential.

Our department has a commitment to inclusion and diversity, with an ambition of being the best possible place to work. This reflects the importance we place on our people and on creating a workplace culture where every one of us is valued and respected for their contribution. The suitable candidate adds to this culture and our workplace in their own way.

If you are a dynamic individual with a passion for innovation and a drive to excel, we want to hear from you!

Working collaboratively across the Branch and with the General Manager, you will be responsible for delegate decision-making on RDTI Program eligibility matters while also shaping business improvement initiatives across the Branch. Specific duties of the role include:

• Exercise risk-based judgement in the making of RDTI Program eligibility decisions
• Lead and manage a team of approximately 15-20 case staff conducting a diverse program integrity and assurance work encompassing business outreach and engagement, advance assurance, compliance audit, and internal reviews focussed on RDTI program eligibility
• Work closely with follow RDTI managers and the ATO, including by attending regular meetings and ensuring RDTI compliance outcomes support joint agency integrity assurance objectives
• Provide timely and evidence-based advice to the Executive and colleagues on program delivery and design matters as they arise
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote the objectives of the RDTI Branch and department, including presenting on RDTI Program matters at various events and forums
• Lead projects and functions including business process improvements, ongoing program reform and change initiatives in response to emerging risks and priorities
• Contribute to broader whole-of-branch objectives, business planning, and performance matters

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens. Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

This advertisement is seeking to fill both ongoing and non-ongoing current vacancies. A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette. The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy can be based in Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne, or Perth, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.

Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information. Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 750 words and should align to the key duties listed above. Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format). Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact or if you require assistance with your application.

For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Matt Crawshaw on or via email on

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