* Do you want to work at an agency where each day reveals new opportunities to work on some of the biggest issues facing consumers and businesses and have opportunities to pursue new and exciting pathways?
* Do you want to work at a place where smart and dedicated people from all walks of life collaborate to work on meaningful matters?
* Do you want to be part of playing a key role in establishing and maturing the AER’s governance approach, process and systems as it prepares for legal seperation from the ACCC in 1 July 2026?
Then this is the place for you! At the AER, we work to make energy consumers better off, now and in the future. We focus on ensuring a secure, reliable and affordable energy future for Australia as it transitions to net zero emissions. Our high performing culture is built on a foundation of care, support and inclusion. It’s why we’re driven by connection and collaboration, sharing our skills, knowledge and support with each other freely and frequently. It’s why we prioritise the wellbeing of our people and empower them to work autonomously, flexibly and courageously. We believe the best version of you is the one that’s true to who you are – and that’s the you we want working alongside us.
We value flexibility, this role can be performed at any of the AER offices located in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, or Sydney and are available on a full-time, part-time or job-share basis.
Applicants from diverse backgrounds including First Nations peoples, people with disability and those from different cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
What you will do as the Assistant Director, Governance and Coordination
As The Assistant Director, Governance And Coordination, You Will
* Lead a small governance function (including direct supervision of at least one APS6), fostering a professional, collaborative and inclusive team environment. The team will be responsible for providing high-quality secretariat and governance support for key corporate governance forums (including a key oversight responsibility over agenda planning, papers coordination, minutes, action management and forward work programs), ensuring clear decisions and accountability.
* Design, implement and continuously improve an agency-wide governance model (committees/forums, decision-rights, templates, calendars, minute/action tracking, and reporting) that is fit-for-purpose for a standalone Commonwealth entity.
* Partner with branches across the organisation to uplift governance maturity including embedding consistent ways of working, improving the quality of briefs and papers, and supporting better decision-making.
* Establish practical governance artefacts and guidance (e.g., charters, terms of reference, delegation guidance, meeting packs, governance maps) and support implementation through coaching and targeted communications.
* Develop governance performance measures and reporting (e.g., timeliness/quality of papers, action closure, compliance with governance requirements) and provide insights to the Executive Leadership Team.
* Support enterprise change activities linked to the AER’s 1 July 2026 separation, identifying governance gaps/risks and advising on practical, fit‑for‑purpose governance solutions in partnership with stakeholders.
About You
All candidates are expected to meet the APS Integrated Leadership System (ILS) for the classification advertised. This role in particular requires:
* Governance expertise: Demonstrated experience developing, implementing or improving governance models, frameworks or secretariat functions in a complex organisation.
* Strategic and systems thinking: Demonstrated ability to diagnose governance issues, identify practical improvements, and design fit-for-purpose processes that enable clear decisions, accountability and delivery.
* Stakeholder engagement and influence: Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to work across the organisation (including in support of senior leadership & Board), influence without authority, and negotiate workable outcomes in a dynamic environment.
* Communication and briefing: Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality governance documentation (e.g., briefs, papers, charters, minutes, action registers) and translate complexity into clear advice.
* Leadership: Proven ability to lead and develop people, including setting clear expectations, coaching, providing feedback, and creating a safe and inclusive team culture.
* Judgement and delivery: Demonstrated ability to prioritise, manage risks, maintain attention to detail, and deliver outcomes to tight timeframes with integrity and professionalism.
The Following Job Specific Criteria Are Also Highly Desirable
* Experience supporting executive and/or board-level governance forums, including forward planning and quality assurance of papers.
* Experience establishing governance reporting and performance measures (e.g., action management, compliance, decision tracking, maturity uplift).
* Experience working in project/program environments (e.g., PMO/EPMO) and applying governance and assurance to support delivery.
* Familiarity with contemporary collaboration and workflow tools (e.g., Microsoft 365, TechnologyOne or similar enterprise systems).
To find out more about us and the role, please read the Candidate Kit.
How To Apply
You will be asked to respond to the statement of claims of no more than 800 words and submit your resume with key outcomes or what you are most proud of in each role you have held (2 pages maximum).
Salary: $127,908 - $141,555 (plus 15.4% superannuation)
Contact Officer: Mary Campbell, 0408081***
Applications Close: 11:00pm AEST Sunday, 17 May 2026