The Opportunity:
The Engagement Assistant Director is a key leadership position within the Branch Leadership Team. They have delegated authority and responsibility to resolve issues and risks across wide ranging activities. The role has people, program and stakeholder management responsibilities. They manage employees and take responsibility for their overall performance. The role nurtures and manages a range of key internal and external stakeholder relationships and networks. The Engagement Assistant Director works with a considerable degree of independence, under broad direction from the Director.
They are responsible for planning and delivering aspects of the branch work program, reporting on progress against performance and quality indicators. They are responsible for ensuring that performance measures for the branch are met. They contribute to the development of branch strategic plans and lead the development of business cases and project plans for new initiatives. The role provides expertise across a broad range of activities including customer service delivery, policy development, project management, community engagement and culture. The Engagement Assistant Director promotes a healthy and safe workplace environment, and models ethical behaviour in accordance with the APS Code of Conduct and APS Values.
This role includes the following duties and is expected to be conducted with a broad degree of independence:
- lead the team to deliver branch goals and support the NIAA’s broader strategic priorities for stakeholders, providers, and partners
- support staff development by working with team leaders to provide training, coaching, and mentoring
- design and manage complex programs and projects, either directly or by guiding team members through implementation
- track and report on team performance, using data and trends to improve quality and meet key targets
- develop and lead quality assurance plans using the NIAA framework, and recommend improvements to policies, processes, and projects
- drive business improvements by identifying better ways to support operations, policy, and project delivery
- create and manage risk plans using the NIAA framework
- provide expert advice on technical and operational matters
- handle complex questions and complaints by drawing on team expertise
- prepare and/or review reports and documents for senior leaders, governance bodies, and committees
- lead and represent the branch in internal and external forums, following NIAA governance processes
- build strong relationships with stakeholders across government and non-government sectors through collaborative and place-based engagement.
Our Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate must be resilient, able to work independently and under limited supervision. The successful candidate must be able to understand and translate the NIAA's vision for staff and articulates links for staff, between business plans and the vision; focuses strategically, builds a sense of collective purpose and direction to support the delivery of outcomes; stays attuned to the broader NIAA strategic environment and demonstrates the following:
- monitors performance across the branch and projects, offering practical solutions to issues as they arise
- shares expertise and draws on others’ knowledge to deliver high-quality, lasting outcomes
- leads change by listening to concerns and helping the team manage uncertainty
- builds respectful relationships with staff and stakeholders, contributing to strong networks within and outside the agency
- encourages learning and development for self and others and addresses underperformance promptly and constructively
- acts with professionalism, following organisational policies, legal requirements, and public expectations
- upholds NIAA values, speaks up on important issues, and handles pressure and change with calm and persistence
- represents the agency effectively in both internal and public settings
- communicates clearly and confidently, tailoring messages to suit different audiences and showing cultural awareness
- anticipates concerns, negotiates complex issues persuasively, and works towards outcomes that benefit all parties.
What We Offer:
- We have exciting work with real purpose. We support the aspirations of First Nations Peoples—it’s our driving force. Our work is transformational, you can follow your passion, shape your career and make a difference.
- We value our employees —they’re the heart of our Agency. Employees are supported and empowered to build their career. We are a diverse, inclusive and passionate workforce with an emphasis on continuous cultural learning and tailored professional development.
- Our work relies on strong and trusted relationships — we build partnerships by being authentic, sharing information and giving honest feedback. We collaborate with communities across Australia, all levels of government and many other invested stakeholders.
Eligibility:
- To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen.
- The occupant must be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected) level security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
- The successful candidate will be required to be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check
How to apply:
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you! Submit an online application through theNIAA Careers Pageby 11:30pm 15-Jun-2025 AEST/AEDT.
