Assistant Director Governance

The Role

We are looking for an Assistant Director to join the Enterprise Committees Team to support the delivery of Defence's most senior decision-making forums. You will lead a team working with diverse stakeholders across Defence and Government to support Defence's most senior leaders, and be exposed to a range of enterprise-level matters that will help to diversify your skills.

This is an opportunity to step into a leadership role that combines governance and strategic thinking to deliver outcomes. Your team will be responsible for the end-to-end running of senior-level meetings, including developing outcomes and tracking actions, providing strategic direction and agenda setting. You will be comfortable leading in a large, complex organisation and adapting to changing priorities.

Due to the nature of the work, the individual is required in Russell Offices, Canberra every day. Part-time or other flexible working patterns may be considered.

About our Team

The Strategic Governance Branch is committed to achieving strategic governance outcomes for Defence. The Branch is comprised of three teams – Enterprise Committees, Enterprise Risk and Business Continuity and Enterprise Accountability and Governance. We work collaboratively with stakeholders from across Defence and Government to ensure Defence’s governance processes are best practice. 

The Enterprise Committees Team is made up of individuals from diverse backgrounds who provide support to Defence’s most senior leaders. We are a dynamic, high-performing team who are adaptable, resilient and able to adjust to changing requirements in a professional and timely manner.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidates will be highly motivated with a curiosity for how government works and an interest in improving governance. 

You will bring demonstrated capability in:

• Building and leading high-performing teams while driving an inclusive workplace culture.
• Operating effectively in high-tempo and dynamic environments, and managing competing priorities. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop and tailor high quality written products (e.g. parliamentary and corporate briefs, minutes, talking points) for different audiences.
• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders, Ministerial Offices and other government agencies. 
• Understanding and appropriately applying governance policies, frameworks and legislative requirements within a large, complex organisation.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Applying sound judgement, especially when dealing with sensitive information.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 1”.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers