EL1 - Assistant Director, Strategy & Government

About the role

AFSA is seeking experienced Executive Level 1 professionals to join the Strategy & Government Division within our Enabling Services Group.

These opportunities sit within a division responsible for strengthening organisational performance, accountability and influence through its assurance, government engagement and strategic communications functions. Successful candidates will work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders across the agency to provide strategic advice, lead key initiatives and contribute to the achievement of AFSA's priorities.

Vacancies may be available across the following roles:

Assistant Director, Assurance:

• Contributes to strong governance, risk management and organisational performance through the delivery of internal audit and enterprise assurance activities.

Assistant Director, Government Engagement:

• Builds and maintains productive relationships across government and external stakeholders, supporting AFSA's engagement objectives and strategic priorities.

Assistant Director, Project and Strategic Communications

• Leads the delivery of strategic communication initiatives that support organisational priorities, stakeholder engagement, organisational change and employee outcomes.

Further information about each role is available in the Candidate Information Pack.

Key Responsibiities

Depending on the role, responsibilities may include:

• Providing trusted strategic advice and recommendations to executives, senior leaders and stakeholders
• Leading projects, programs of work and initiatives that support organisational priorities
• Building and maintaining productive relationships across government, industry and internal stakeholder groups
• Influencing outcomes and supporting decision-making in complex operating environments
• Developing and delivering strategic communication, engagement, assurance or stakeholder management activities
• Coordinating and managing competing priorities to achieve quality outcomes within timeframes
• Contributing to organisational governance, performance, continuous improvement and business planning activities
• Preparing high-quality reports, briefings, communication products and other advice for executive and governance forums
• Managing external providers, contractors or service partners where required
• Representing AFSA in internal and external forums and working groups

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.

Qualifications, accreditations, and experience

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor advice and messaging to different audiences
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities
• The ability to lead initiatives, influence outcomes and deliver results in complex environments
• Strong judgement, resilience and problem-solving skills
• Experience working collaboratively across teams and with a diverse range of stakeholders

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be highly regarded:

Assurance

• Internal audit, assurance, governance, risk management or internal control frameworks
• Executive, committee or governance reporting
• Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or professional memberships

Government Engagement

• Government relations, stakeholder engagement, policy, strategy or related disciplines
• Experience working in government, regulatory or complex stakeholder environments

Project and Strategic Communications

• Strategic, employee, change or project communications
• Digital communications, social media, stakeholder engagement or communication campaigns
• Qualifications in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a related discipline, or equivalent experience

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to provide trusted advice, build effective relationships and deliver meaningful outcomes that support AFSA's strategic objectives.

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.

How to Apply

Applications close: Sunday 20 September 2026 at 11:59 pm AEST.

To apply, click the Apply button and follow the instructions in the AFSA recruitment portal. You are required to submit:

• a current resume (maximum 2 pages); and
• a pitch (maximum 750 words) outlining how your skills, experience and capabilities align with The ideal candidate will have section of the Candidate Information Pack.

RecruitAbility

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.