Why South Australia’s Department for Industry, Innovation & Science Could Be Your Next Career Launchpad 🚀
The Department for Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS) sits at the heart of South Australia’s push to build a smarter, greener and globally‑competitive economy. With programs that back everything from advanced manufacturing to the creation of a brand‑new Adelaide University, DIIS is a hive of opportunity for graduates, mid‑career pivoters and seasoned public‑sector professionals alike. Below is your 60‑second, mobile‑friendly brief—so you can skip the 80‑plus‑page annual report and jump straight to what matters for your career.
AT‑A‑GLANCE 📌
Name of Department / Council: Department for Industry, Innovation and Science (renaming to Department of State Development from 1 July 2024)
Location: Head Office – Level 4, 11 Waymouth St, Adelaide SA 5000
CEO: Adam Reid, Chief Executive
Total Revenue (2023‑24): $61.643 million
Total Number of Employees: Approximately 300 – 350 (DIIS does not publish an exact headcount in its 2023‑24 report; estimate derived from SA Government workforce datasets).
DID YOU KNOW? 🤔
DIIS‑backed start‑ups at the Lot Fourteen Startup Hub have collectively raised $198 million in venture capital and created 800+ jobs since 2019—proof the department actively fuels real‑world growth, not just policy papers.
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO DIIS
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited
Business / Commerce – drives evidence‑based grant management and program evaluation.
Public Policy / Economics – shapes industry strategies and legislative advice.
STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Maths) – underpins research‑to‑commercialisation initiatives.
Information Technology – supports cyber‑security programs and digital‑service roll‑outs.
Project Management (Graduate Certificate / Diploma) – coordinates multi‑agency economic projects.
Top 5 certifications most suited
PRINCE2 / AgilePM – for end‑to‑end delivery of complex funding programs.
CPA / CA – ensures rigorous financial oversight of industry grants.
Certified Cyber Professional (CCP) – helps harden SA businesses against cyber threats.
ISO 9001 Lead Auditor – assures quality across manufacturing acceleration projects.
IPAA Foundations of Public Administration – translates private‑sector know‑how into government context.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited
Advanced Manufacturing Technicians – mentor companies in the Manufacturing Growth Accelerator.
Data Analysts – turn program metrics into policy insights.
Communications Specialists – promote small‑business initiatives statewide.
Defence‑Industry Engineers – drive workforce planning for AUKUS‑linked shipbuilding.
Research Scientists – secure grants from the Research & Innovation Fund.
Top 5 skills most suited
Strategic Stakeholder Engagement – liaising with universities, industry & unions.
Financial Modelling – allocating $60 m+ budgets effectively.
Grant‑Writing & Evaluation – assessing ROI for public funds.
Policy Drafting – converting cabinet directions into actionable programs.
Digital Literacy & Cyber Awareness – vital for supporting the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre.
Top 5 work‑experiences most suited
Leading industry clusters or precinct projects.
Managing start‑up accelerator cohorts.
Delivering regional workforce development plans.
Overseeing international education recruitment strategies.
Implementing advanced manufacturing tech upgrades.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Department for Industry, Innovation and Science (DIIS)
Name of CEO: Adam Reid
Location: State‑wide, with Adelaide HQ
Year Founded: 2019 (formed from earlier agency restructures)
Main Mission & Purpose: Support sustainable economic growth by enabling research excellence, industry capability and a skilled workforce—illustrated by the $118.5 million invested in 84 research projects that have leveraged $861 million in external funding.
Main Duties: Deliver grants, policy advice and concierge services spanning advanced manufacturing, small‑business support, skilled‑migration programs and higher‑education reform—seen in the passage of the Adelaide University Act 2023.
Key Projects / Priorities / Future Plans:
South Australian Advanced Manufacturing Strategy (launched 2023)
Implementation of the SA Defence Industry Workforce & Skills Action Plan
Expansion of the Green Economy Catalyst Program
Transition to the Department of State Development (from 1 July 2024) for broader trade & investment remit.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Estimated Total Employees: ≈ 300 – 350 (DIIS does not publish a definitive figure; estimate based on SA Government datasets).
Executives: 15 (11 × SAES‑1, 3 × SAES‑2, 1 Chief Executive)
Salary Bands:
ASO1–ASO2: $57k – $68k
ASO3–ASO5: $70k – $96k
ASO6–ASO8: $100k – $118k
SAES1–SAES2: $128k – $235k
(Based on current SA Public Sector Enterprise Agreement ranges)
Average Salary: ~ $98k (mid‑ASO6)
Total Revenue 2023‑24: $61.643 m AUD
Average Revenue per Employee: ≈ $180k AUD
GETTING A JOB AT DIIS
Which academic subjects are most sought‑after?
Certificate / Diploma Level: Business Administration, IT Support, Advanced Manufacturing Technology.
Bachelor / Master Level: Economics & Public Policy, Data Analytics, Engineering, Cyber Security, Communications.
PhDs: Industry 4.0‑focused Engineering, Innovation Economics, Applied Physics, Artificial Intelligence.
In‑demand Trades & Professions
CNC Machinists, Electricians (renewable energy projects), Digital Forensics Specialists, Grant Auditors, Technical Writers.
Valued Work Experiences
Leading cross‑agency policy taskforces.
Scaling small businesses into export markets.
Managing university‑industry research collaborations.
Delivering regional skills‑migration pathways.
Essential Skills
Soft skills: Influencing, stakeholder diplomacy, concise writing.
Technical skills: Data‑visualisation (Power BI/Tableau), SQL, cyber‑risk assessment, Lean manufacturing.
General skills: Budget management, contract negotiation, event facilitation.
Hobbies & Interests That Align
Volunteering at STEM outreach events, participating in maker‑spaces, entrepreneurial meet‑ups, or mentoring start‑ups—activities that mirror DIIS’s innovation culture.
Want more information on this organisation?
Department for Industry, Innovation and Science
📍 Level 4, 11 Waymouth Street, Adelaide SA 5000
☎️ 1300 117 088
📧 diisreception@sa.gov.au
🌐 statedevelopment.sa.gov.au – vacancies listed under Careers
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