Director Science Strategy

An opportunity exists for a Science Strategy and Policy Officer Position (at S&T6/EL-2 level) within the Science Strategy and Policy directorate. As a Science Strategy and Policy Officer, you will be responsible for leading the development of DSTG Benchmarking and the DSTG Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) Capability Plan to ensure DSTG has appropriate IS&T capabilities to support the delivery of scientific advice and innovative technology solutions for Defence and national security. The Science Strategy and Policy directorate is responsible for developing strategy and policy to support DSTG deliver outcomes for Defence.

This is achieved through advising DSTG leadership on the capacity and capability of DSTG to deliver scientific advice and innovative solutions for Defence, ensuring DSTG's strategic direction aligns with broader Defence guidance and Government objectives, coordinating DSTG's contribution to Defence and whole-of-government strategic science policy and supporting management of the enterprise.

The position requires strong communication skills; experience in business intelligence, collection and analysis of complex data, the development and implementation of government policy; and an ability to work effectively across a diverse set of stakeholders.

The responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to leading a team to ensure effective:

• Lead, plan and manage the development, advocacy and implementation of a DSTG Capability Plan and benchmarking.
• Collection of IS&T capability data from across DSTG capability divisions and business intelligence analysis and clear articulation of DSTG's current IS&T capability and future capability needs.
• Advice to senior management on the application of DSTG's resources and scientific developments to meet Defence requirements.
• Development of work to anticipate and resolve IS&T capability issues from a DSTG perspective in order to meet business objectives.
• Preparation of briefs and correspondence as required on issues relating to DSTG's capacity and capability to deliver scientific advice and innovative technology solutions for Defence and national security.
• Provision of a range of administrative support for Science Strategy and Policy directorate, including possible procurement for contracting/consulting advice, coordination of the electronic document and file management system.

This position has people management responsibility and, as such, will be required to exercise people management skills and knowledge to build and lead a high performing and cohesive team.

About our Team

The Science Strategy and Policy directorate is DSTG's lead for influencing, coordinating and developing policies and strategies related to Defence innovation, science and technology, and national science policy. We develop strong relationships both within DSTG and Defence, as well as across government and with industry and academia. Our mission is to understand Defence's strategic context, develop approaches for DSTG to respond to this context, advocate for Defence science, and ensure world leading best practice shapes DSTG's policy and strategy approach.

Our Ideal Candidate

The suitable candidate will have demonstrated high-level experience in leading and developing capability plans to support deliverables. Tertiary qualifications in STEM (or equivalent experience) is highly desirable.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A critical thinker who is able to convey complex ideas and plans succinctly;
• Strong ability to communicate and clearly articulate recommendations and advice to senior leaders;
• Proven ability to cultivate and sustain productive relationships with stakeholders across Government, academia and industry;
• Accomplished in business intelligence analysis;
• Excellent written abilities and proven experience in briefing senior leaders;
• Strong people management skills; and
• Experience in building and leading a high-performing and cohesive team

Application Closing Date: Sunday 14 September 2025

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