EL1, Assistant Director, People Connect

Location:
Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Employment status:
Non-ongoing, Ongoing
Hours:
Full-time
APS classification:
Executive Level 1
Applications close:
AEST

About the role

The Assistant Director, People Connect leads the delivery of high‑quality, end‑to‑end people services that enable the workforce and leaders to perform at their best, ensuring services are consistent, responsive and aligned to organisational priorities.

Working closely with senior leaders, People Partners and business areas, the role provides expert advice on complex workforce matters and drives integrated, user‑focused solutions across the employee lifecycle.

The position delivers improved service performance, contemporary HR programs and strong governance by translating workforce insights into practical outcomes.

It has a critical impact on organisational capability, risk management and employee experience through effective leadership of people services and continuous improvement.

Key Accountabilities

s an Assistant Director, People Connect you will:

  • Lead the strategic implementation of People Connect priorities and service delivery, aligning outcomes with organisational objectives, APS frameworks, and legislative requirements.
  • Shape and continuously evolve a contemporary, user-centred people service model, driving integration across People Connect, People Partners, and business areas.
  • Ensure operational excellence by overseeing triage, workflow management, and service standards, embedding consistency, accountability, and responsiveness across all services.
  • Deliver and optimise people programs and frameworks across recruitment, performance, employee relations, WHS, and wellbeing, ensuring they are fit-for-purpose, scalable, and aligned to business needs.
  • Provide authoritative advice on complex, sensitive, and high-risk people matters, anticipating issues, managing escalations, and balancing risk with pragmatic outcomes.
  • Embed robust governance, risk, and assurance practices, proactively identifying systemic issues and driving sustainable resolutions and continuous improvement.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, translating workforce insights into practical, business-aligned solutions that support operational and strategic priorities.
  • Build and leverage strong, influential relationships to enhance service delivery, foster collaboration, and strengthen the reputation and credibility of People Connect.
  • Lead, coach, and empower a high-performing team, building capability, promoting accountability, and fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous learning.
  • Champion service excellence and innovation, driving improvements to systems, processes, and user experience to enhance efficiency and accessibility.

All duties will be performed in accordance with: 

  • the APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles 
  • WHS obligations, taking responsibility for own health and safety and that of others 
  • AFSA’s risk management framework and relevant legislation, including guiding others to identify and mitigate foreseeable risks

What we’re looking for / Qualifications

We are looking for someone who has:

  • Qualifications in human resource management or a related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience, are highly desirable. Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI) certification (or working towards accreditation) is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide high-quality, evidence-based advice and reporting on a broad range of people management matters, including complex and sensitive issues.
  • Proven experience in interpreting and applying HR policies, procedures, and legislative frameworks to deliver practical, compliant, and fit-for-purpose outcomes.
  • Experience managing competing priorities, coordinating workflows, and delivering outcomes within agreed timeframes and quality standards.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to build and maintain relationships, influence outcomes, and respond to client needs.
  • Experience contributing to process improvement, service delivery enhancements, or HR initiatives, including identifying opportunities and supporting implementation within a team environment.
  • Proven ability to provide accurate and specialised advice and reporting on sensitive matters; together with a breadth and depth of experience in HR as well as understanding the broader APS agenda.

Why join us?

At AFSA, you will enjoy:

  • Generous employer superannuation contribution (15.4%)
  • A modern, flexible working environment
  • Access to the Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible working arrangements, including remote work options and variable start/finish times where appropriate.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We welcome applications from First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with disability. We support all employees to balance work, family, and personal commitments through flexible working options.

Eligibility

This role is open only to Australian citizens.

The successful candidate must either hold, or be willing to obtain, a Baseline security clearance. All employees undergo a mandatory police records check.

Please note that if you have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency and your redundancy period has not expired, you may not be eligible for employment.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. If you apply under the scheme, declare you have a disability and meet the minimum requirements, you will be invited to participate in the next stage of assessment.

How to Apply

Applications close Sunday 6 September 2026 at 11:59 PM AEST.

To apply, click the Apply button and follow the instructions in the AFSA recruitment portal.

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