The role: EL1 Assistant Director Strategic Policy
Location: National (hybrid)
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Length: 6 months with the possibility of extension
Pay: $602.55 Daily Rate + Super
Hours: Full time
Role Purpose
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Assistant Director to lead critical policy reform aimed at driving more efficient and effective service delivery models and achieving optimal outcomes. Operating with leadership responsibility and decision-making authority, you will manage key internal and external stakeholder relationships and represent the federal government agency across a range of forums. In this role, you will apply sound judgement to manage highly complex and sensitive issues, lead high-performing teams, and drive the analysis, development, and implementation of strategic policy initiatives.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Policy Leadership: Lead the analysis of complex policy issues for implementation and communicate high-standard recommendations to senior executive stakeholders.
- Project Delivery: Lead the delivery and implementation of major reform projects in line with the agency’s wider strategic reform program.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Identify, build, and actively manage strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders to influence and negotiate practical solutions for policy implementation.
- Engagement Design: Design, contribute to, and lead targeted stakeholder engagement and co-design activities across diverse forums.
- High-Level Documentation: Lead teams in developing sophisticated policy frameworks, corporate documents, briefings, reports, and correspondence to a high standard.
- Risk & Governance: Apply sound judgement and decision-making to evaluate risks in the context of a complex and rapidly changing environment.
- Data & Analysis: Collect, evaluate, and utilise quantitative data and technical inputs to inform evidence-based advice and strategic policy recommendations.
- Team Leadership: Provide leadership, planning, resource management, and people management for team members and assigned contractors, fostering a positive and high-performing team culture.
Skills Required
- Analytical Thinking: Outstanding analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills to navigate complex operational and strategic challenges.
- Government Communication: Exceptional communication and writing skills, with a proven ability to draft high-level materials tailored for a government audience.
- Strategic Policy Leader: Proven track record as a leader in strategic policy development and public sector reform initiatives.
- Judgement & Governance: Sound judgement, robust decision-making capabilities, and high-level governance skills.
- Adaptability & Drive: High flexibility to respond to changing priorities, paired with energy, enthusiasm, and motivation to drive continuous improvement.
- Culture Champion: Strong capability to lead teams, build capacity, and actively contribute to a positive, inclusive, and forward-thinking team culture.
Knowledge and Experience Required Candidates should demonstrate experience across some or all of the following areas:
- Strategic Policy & Implementation: Extensive experience leading the development and implementation of policy, analysing data, and reviewing high-level policy papers, reports, presentations, briefings, and correspondence.
- Public Sector Reform: Proven experience leading teams within the public sector to deliver complex reform policy, projects, and programs.
- Legislation: Practical experience working with, interpreting, or developing legislative frameworks and regulatory instruments.
- Strategic Commissioning: Familiarity with strategic commissioning methodologies and a practical understanding of Commonwealth Procurement Rules.
- Sector Commitment: Knowledge of, or strong motivation to work within, human services, social policy, or disability service sectors.
Qualifications & Eligibility
- Education: A relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent professional work experience in lieu of formal qualifications.
- Citizenship: You must be an Australian Citizen to be eligible for employment with the agency.
- Vetting: Satisfactory completion of an Employment Suitability Check / National Police Check (and Baseline Security Clearance where required) prior to commencement.
At Randstad, we are passionate about providing equal employment opportunities and embracing diversity to the benefit of all. We actively encourage applications from any background.
