Assistant Director – Executive Office

Who we are

Digital Business Division FAS Office

The First Assistant Secretary (FAS) Office within the Digital Business Division (DBD) provides strategic leadership and coordination across the division, ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and government objectives. As part of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, DBD delivers digital services that support Australia's export and biosecurity functions. The FAS Office plays a vital role in shaping the division's strategic direction, overseeing governance processes, and managing high-level communications and reporting. It ensures that digital initiatives are clearly articulated and effectively positioned to support regulatory efficiency, risk reduction, and improved service delivery. Operating as a key conduit between the Chief Digital and Data Officer, divisional branches, and external stakeholders, the FAS Office facilitates collaboration, consistency, and responsiveness across a complex and challenging environment. It is responsible for producing and coordinating executive-level documentation, including ministerial briefs, parliamentary responses, corporate reporting, and strategic submissions.

The Job

DAFF plays a critical role in supporting Australia's agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors, ensuring strong biosecurity and enabling trade through innovative digital solutions. Within DAFF, the Digital Business Division (DBD) is the powerhouse driving modernisation of agricultural export and biosecurity systems. As Assistant Director in the First Assistant Secretary's (FAS) Office, you'll lead strategic communications and coordination across a complex, fast-paced environment. Your work will shape digital transformation programs that impact national trade and biosecurity, while ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and government objectives.

What you'll do:

• Develop high-level strategic documents, briefs, and submissions for senior executives and Ministers.
• Translate complex digital initiatives into clear, compelling narratives.
• Coordinate governance processes and reporting across multiple branches.
• Anticipate emerging issues, manage competing priorities, and deliver under pressure in a politically sensitive environment.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Support senior leadership by streamlining workflows and enabling focus on strategic priorities.

Please note:

• This recruitment process will initially be used to fill one vacancy on an ongoing basis.
• The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

Flexible working arrangements

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. To seek further information please speak with the contact officer prior to submitting your application.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate the following knowledge or experience:

• experience in developing high-level strategic and reporting documents for senior executives and Ministers, including briefs, submissions, and presentations
• you will have a strong understanding of the digital delivery, with the ability to translate complex digital initiatives into clear, strategic narratives and communications products
• experience working across diverse and complex work areas in a politically sensitive environment is essential, along with a proven ability to anticipate issues, use discretion, manage competing priorities, and maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced setting
• a sound understanding of departmental priorities and coordination requirements—both internal and external—will be highly beneficial.