The key duties of the position include:The Role
The Deputy Director Engagements and Partnerships will manage the development, advocacy, prioritisation and coordination of advice on complex strategic policy issues related to the national support base to internal and external stakeholders and support senior attendance at stakeholder meetings.
We are seeking applications from high-performing professionals who have proven abilities to think and act strategically, provide functional advice and support to leadership, and engage with stakeholders to accomplish outcomes in National Support functions.
Key responsibilities include:
Lead stakeholder engagement activities, including the development of stakeholder profiles, stakeholder mapping, and engagement strategies and plans.
Manage and strengthen relationships with Non-Government Organisations, industry partners, and state and federal government agencies to support the delivery of national support outcomes, including legislative and policy reforms where required.
Lead, coordinate and contribute to work that informs Defence's responses to government requests and priorities.
Provide strategic advice and support to leadership on stakeholder engagement and partnership matters.
This role may require domestic travel.
About our Team
National Support Division works collaboratively across Defence and with partners across government, industry, and the broader community to strengthen Australia's resilience and national preparedness.
The division plays a key role in building and sustaining the relationships, partnerships,



and coordination mechanisms that enable Defence to leverage whole-of-government and whole-of-nation capabilities.
As Deputy Director Engagements and Partnerships, you will play a key role in strengthening Defence's relationships with stakeholders across government, industry, and non-government organisations.
You will lead strategic engagement activities, build trusted partnerships, and identify opportunities for collaboration that support Defence and national support priorities.
This role offers a unique prospect to influence policy and capability outcomes through effective stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and strategic coordination, while working closely with senior leaders and external stakeholders to enhance national preparedness and resilience.
Our Ideal Candidate
You will be a collaborative and proactive professional, capable of providing sound advice and building strong relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead through collaboration, relationship-building, and effective planning.
Sound judgement and problem-solving skills,



including the ability to develop practical recommendations and identify alternative solutions to complex issues.
Excellent organisational skills, initiative, and self-motivation, with the ability to influence others and deliver business outcomes.
The ability to engage and influence stakeholders across the organisation to proactively identify, manage, and address risks.
Strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture aligned with Defence values.
The ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver high-quality secretariat support for senior-level committees, including end-to-end meeting and event management.
EligibilitySecurity Clearance:
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at "Negative Vetting Level 2".
Getting to know the Department of DefenceThe Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees.
Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job.
Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work.
Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few.
We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce.
To find out more about a career with Defence please visit

📌 Deputy Director Engagements And Partnerships (Multiple Positions) (Canberra)
🏢 Department Of Defence
📍 Canberra