APS4 Executive Assistant | Canberra, ACT | 9 Month- Maternity Leave FTC | Baseline Clearance or Ability to Obtain Required

Some Executive Assistant roles are transactional.

This isn't one of them.

We're seeking an Executive Assistant to support a senior executive within a highly regarded Commonwealth agency during a maternity leave period. While the title may be APS4 Executive Assistant, the opportunity is much more than calendar management and meeting coordination.

This is a role for someone who understands that great executive support is built on trust, judgement and genuine partnership.

Supporting a senior leader responsible for a diverse and complex branch, you'll quickly become immersed in a fast-moving environment where no two days look quite the same. One moment you may be coordinating governance meetings and executive commitments, the next you'll be helping navigate competing priorities, managing stakeholder relationships and ensuring important pieces of work continue moving forward.

What makes this role unique is the leadership style of the executive you'll be supporting. She believes that an Executive Assistant should be viewed as an extension of the executive, empowered to build relationships, exercise judgement and represent the office professionally. She invests heavily in her people, creates space for learning and development, and genuinely values the partnership that comes with executive support.

Success in this role won't come from simply waiting for direction. It will come from someone who enjoys taking initiative, reading the room, anticipating what might be needed next and building the confidence to make informed decisions. You'll be supporting an executive with a broad portfolio, working across multiple teams with very different priorities, requiring someone who can adapt quickly, connect the dots and stay one step ahead.





The environment is cooperative, supportive and highly people-focused. While you'll work closely with one executive, you'll also become part of a broader executive support network and a close-knit leadership cohort that values teamwork and shared success. Relationships matter here. People look out for each other, celebrate wins together and genuinely care about creating a positive workplace culture.

We're interested in speaking with candidates who bring previous executive support experience, ideally within government or a similar complex environment. APS experience will be highly regarded as the successful candidate will need to understand the context in which the Commonwealth operates and be comfortable stepping into a busy office with confidence.

Equally important is who you are as a person. You'll be someone who treats everyone with respect, regardless of title. You're comfortable having honest conversations, know when to stand firm and when to be flexible, and take pride in being the person others can rely upon. You're professional without being rigid, proactive without being overbearing, and capable of handling sensitive information with maturity and discretion.

This is an opportunity to work alongside a leader who is committed to seeing their people succeed and whose support and advocacy can have a lasting impact on your career. For someone looking to deepen their executive support experience within the APS, build meaningful relationships and make a genuine contribution from day one, this role offers an exceptional opportunity.

Australian Citizenship and the ability to obtain or hold a Baseline Security Clearance are required.

If you're looking for a role where you'll be trusted, valued and given the opportunity to become a true executive partner rather than simply an administrator, we'd love to hear from you.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 APS 4 Executive Assistant (Canberra)
🏢 Elliott Gray
📍 Canberra