The Assistant Director, State Engagement and Support Network, works directly with the State Manager to connect policy, programs and local communities, by turning local intelligence and stakeholder perspectives into strategic advice and supporting the effective implementation of departmental priorities within the jurisdiction.

Working under broad direction, the Assistant Director leads a team responsible for strategic engagement, local intelligence, coordination and state office operations. The role provides strategic and operational leadership, manages complex and sensitive issues, and ensures local insights and implementation experience inform departmental decision-making.

The key duties of the position include:

- ead and manage a team and drive performance and continuous improvement to deliver stakeholder engagement, local intelligence, coordination and operational outcomes that support departmental objectives and identifying opportunities to improve collaboration, consistency and service delivery across the State Engagement and Support Network
- build and maintain productive relationships with Commonwealth, state, territory and local governments community organisations, peak bodies, service providers and internal stakeholders, fostering collaboration and influencing outcomes across organisational and jurisdictional boundaries
- lead the identification, analysis and communication of local intelligence, stakeholder insights and emerging issues to inform departmental decision making and identify risks and opportunities
- strengthen the connection between place,



policy and programs areas by ensuring local intelligence, implementation experience and stakeholder perspectives inform policy development, program delivery and implementation
- provide strategic and operational advice to the State Manager and senior departmental leaders on complex issues, risks, priorities and opportunities affecting the jurisdiction
- lead and coordinate complex engagement and implementation activities, including ministerial and executive visits, stakeholder forums, cross-agency initiatives and place-based work
- lead the preparation of high-quality advice on complex or sensitive issues, this includes executive and ministerial briefings, correspondence and advice on complex and sensitive matters for senior decision-makers, ensuring material is accurate, timely and fit for purpose
- ensure effective governance, risk management and stewardship of public resources, including workforce planning, business continuity, work health and safety, security, accommodation and other operational responsibilities.

Please review the job pack for the full position description.

Getting to know the Department of Social Services

The Department of Social Services (DSS) develops policies and delivers programs that support the lifetime wellbeing of Australians and their families. Our vision is to achieve the best health, wellbeing and safety of all Australians. Our people are critical in delivering the key priorities of DSS. We are seeking candidates that reflect our cultural values of curious, contestability, courage and collaboration.

📌 Assistant Director - State Engagement and Support Network (Darwin)
🏢 Australian Department of Social Services
📍 Darwin