The Role

The Engagement Officer supports the development, coordination, prioritisation, and communication of advice on complex strategic policy issues relating to the national support base. The role works closely with internal and external stakeholders to support national support outcomes and assists senior leaders in preparing for and attending stakeholder engagements.

We are seeking high-performing professionals who can think strategically, provide informed advice to leadership, and build productive relationships with stakeholders to achieve outcomes across National Support functions.

Responsibilities include: 

• Lead and coordinate stakeholder engagement activities, including the development of stakeholder profiles, stakeholder mapping, and engagement plans.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government agencies, industry partners, and civil sector stakeholders to support national support objectives. 
• Contribute to work that informs Defence responses to government priorities and requests.
• Provide strategic stakeholder engagement and partnership advice to senior leaders.
• Support senior leaders in stakeholder meetings and engagement activities.

This role may require domestic travel.

About our Team

The 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 the National Support Engagement Officer, you will play a role in strengthening Defence’s relationships with stakeholders across government, industry, and non-government organisations. You will support strategic engagement activities, build trusted partnerships, and identify opportunities for collaboration that support Defence and national support priorities. 

This role offers a unique opportunity 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 are a proactive and collaborative professional who thrives on building strong relationships and delivering outcomes in a complex environment. You can provide trusted advice, engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, and work confidently with senior leaders.

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and influence outcomes.
• Sound judgement and analytical thinking, with the ability to assess complex issues and develop practical, well-informed recommendations.
• Initiative, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving, including identifying alternative solutions and opportunities.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and deliver quality outcomes.
• Experience providing high-quality secretariat support, including coordinating senior-level meetings and events.
• The ability to provide timely, accurate, and strategic advice to support leadership decision-making and stakeholder engagement activities.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 2”.

The 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 https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers