Salary: $88,670 – $100,815 (HEW 5) (per annum) plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading - Appointment type: Full time continuing - Location: Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus, North Ryde

Build a career at the intersection of research, national security and government. Universities are at the forefront of Australia's research security landscape. Every international partnership, defence-adjacent project and overseas collaboration brings obligations under a fast-moving set of Commonwealth laws and guidance – and someone needs to make sure the detail is right. As Macquarie University’s National Security and Defence (NS&D;) Officer you will be a significant contributor to the University’s compliance with this interesting and evolving landscape.

You will help Macquarie University meet its obligations under the Foreign Arrangements Scheme, contribute to national security due diligence, assist with Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) compliance activities, and keep our committees, records and guidance materials running smoothly.

It is a role where accuracy, discretion and follow-through genuinely matter.

This is an outstanding entry point into an interesting and specialised field.

You will work alongside the Due Diligence Coordinator, Senior Adviser and Manager in a small expert team within Research Services with regular exposure to Commonwealth agencies including Defence, Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs and Trade.

If you are organised, curious about geopolitics, come with compliance expertise and want work with real national consequence this job is for you.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager, National Security and Defence, you will provide substantive and administrative assistance across the team's compliance,



governance and advisory functions.

Key Responsibilities

- Undertaking tasks to support the University's compliance with the Foreign Arrangements Scheme under the guidance of the Due Diligence Coordinator and Manager – including advising University staff and auditing reports so that all legislatively covered written agreements are reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Assisting team members with national security due diligence, DISP compliance activities, University committees and the implementation of Government legislation and guidance
- Coordinating the administrative rollout of e-learning modules and logistics for the team's training and briefing sessions
- Providing secretariat assistance for internal and external meetings, including invites, room bookings, materials, filing, note and minute taking, action tracking and follow-up communication
- Responding to staff enquiries on NS&D; processes and procedures and directing them to relevant NS&D; SharePoint and Government resources
- Maintaining the team's record keeping and reporting documents, updating intranet guidance material and monitoring and circulating Government updates
- Assisting with research and information-gathering tasks including locating reference materials, summarising background information and compiling documents under direction




- Working effectively with the Research Services Office Manager on agreed administrative functions and building productive working relationships across the NS&D; team and its stakeholders

About Us

The National Security and Defence team assists the University and its staff to understand and meet their obligations under security-focused Australian legislation and government guidance. Its remit spans defence export controls, safeguarding Australia's military secrets, sanctions, the Foreign Arrangements Scheme, the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme, DISP requirements and countering foreign interference. The aim is a secure research environment free from foreign interference where research is conducted and shared in line with all relevant laws and guidance.

About You

You are methodical, discreet and reliable with an eye for detail and a knack for keeping multiple pieces of work on track. You are comfortable reading legislation and guidance material and translating it into plain, practical advice for colleagues and carrying out legislative compliance activities. Prior national security experience is desirable but not expected – interest in the field, sound judgement and a willingness to learn will be looked upon favourably.

Selection Criteria

- A relevant qualification and/or equivalent experience
- Ability to interpret legislative requirements and guidance, exercise sound judgement and provide accurate and practical advice under broad direction
- Experience coordinating meetings, including agendas, materials, minute taking and drafting meeting summaries, diary management and correspondence, along with experience providing substantive and administrative assistance to a team
- Excellent compute

📌 National Security and Defence Officer (Australia)
🏢 Macquarie University
📍 Australia