National Security and Defence Officer

About the role

Macquarie University's National Security and Defence (NS&D) Officer is a full-time continuing position based at the Wallumattagal Campus in North Ryde. Reporting to the Manager, National Security and Defence, you will provide substantive and administrative assistance across the team's compliance, governance and advisory functions. The team works closely with the Due Diligence Coordinator, Senior Adviser and Manager, and regularly engages with Commonwealth agencies such as Defence, Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Key responsibilities

• Support compliance with the Foreign Arrangements Scheme, including advising staff and auditing reports so that covered written agreements are reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Help with national security due diligence, DISP compliance, committee work and the implementation of government legislation and guidance
• Coordinate the rollout of e-learning modules and logistics for team training and briefing sessions
• Provide secretariat support for meetings: invites, room bookings, materials, filing, minutes, action tracking and follow-up
• Answer staff enquiries on NS&D processes and direct them to the relevant SharePoint and government resources
• Maintain records and reporting documents, update intranet guidance and circulate government updates
• Assist with research and information gathering, and work with the Research Services Office Manager on agreed administrative functions

Required profile

• A relevant qualification and/or equivalent experience
• Ability to interpret legislative requirements, exercise sound judgement and give accurate, practical advice under broad direction
• Experience coordinating meetings, diary management and correspondence, and providing administrative assistance to a team
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneDrive)
• Confidentiality, independence, attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication
• Desirable: experience in higher education, government or legal sectors, e-learning or training support, and knowledge of NS&D compliance
• Essential: Australian citizenship, a current AGSVA security clearance at the level required by the University's DISP accreditation (or eligibility to obtain one), a criminal history check, and adherence to international travel and information management procedures

What we offer

• Salary of $88,670 - $100,815 per annum plus 17% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• Subsidised onsite parking, extensive training and professional development
• Onsite childcare, vacation care, discounted health insurance and subsidised sport and aquatic centre membership
• Employee Assistance Program and onsite GP, imaging and physiotherapy clinics

To apply, submit an online application with a CV (maximum three pages) and a cover letter (maximum two pages) by 18 November 2026. Macquarie University is flexible about days in the office and work from home arrangements, which are negotiated with the successful candidate.