Head of Division, Australian Space Agency

About the role

The Australian Space Agency, a division of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, coordinates civil space matters across government and advises the Australian Government on civil space policy while regulating Australian space activities. The Head of Division leads the Division's governance, performance and strategic direction as part of the department's senior leadership team, reporting to the Deputy Secretary. The preferred work base is Canberra or Adelaide.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the Australian Government's civil space policy, regulatory and program responsibilities
• Provide authoritative, evidence-based advice to the Government and senior officials on complex and sometimes sensitive matters
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with state and territory governments, industry, research institutions and international partners
• Represent the department and the Australian Government in domestic and international forums and oversee civil space regulation and international obligations
• Oversee major whole-of-nation initiatives and manage significant resources, risks and competing priorities
• Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture and build organisational capability

Required profile

• Experienced senior executive with a record of leading divisions or organisations in complex, high-profile and contested environments
• Proven ability to set strategic direction, lead transformation and reform, and advise ministers and senior officials
• Ability to negotiate at a high level with government, industry and international partners
• Sophisticated understanding of Commonwealth government processes, including Cabinet, budget, regulatory and parliamentary processes
• Negative Vetting 1 security clearance, which must be obtained and maintained
• Tertiary qualifications relevant to the portfolio are desirable

Applications close 31 December 2026 and include a CV with two referees and a one-page pitch of up to 750 words.