Executive Level 1
Canberra, ACT
Executive Assistant – Role Overview
Reporting to the Secretary of the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the Executive Assistant provides high‐level executive, strategic, and operational support to the Office of the Secretary. The role requires substantial autonomy, discretion, professionalism, and judgment to manage the Secretary's office and deliver key enterprise‐wide priorities.
Responsibilities
* Coordinate and oversee the flow of work to and from the Secretary, triaging and prioritising high‐risk, sensitive, and time‐critical matters including ministerial and Cabinet‐related business.
* Manage the Secretary's schedule, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities, parliamentary commitments, and stakeholder engagements.
* Act as a central coordination point across Deputy Secretaries and divisions, ensuring consistency, quality, and timeliness of advice.
* Prepare and quality‐assure high‐level written materials, including ministerial briefs, Cabinet documentation, correspondence, speeches, and presentations.
* Synthesise complex information from across the Department and external sources into clear, concise, and strategically aligned advice.
* Ensure all material provided to the Secretary is accurate, fit for purpose, and aligned with whole‐of‐government expectations.
* Identify and assess emerging risks, issues, and sensitivities, providing strategic advice and working closely with SES to manage responses.
* Exercise sound judgement in handling confidential, political, and reputationally sensitive matters.
* Develop and maintain strong working relationships with senior stakeholders, including:
o Ministers and their offices
o Portfolio agencies
o Central agencies (PM&C, Treasury, Finance)
o SES leadership across the Department
* Facilitate effective communication and coordination to support joined‐up policy and corporate outcomes.
* Oversee preparation and coordination of Senate Estimates, Question Time briefs, and parliamentary materials, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
* Support the Secretary in meeting Cabinet, parliamentary, and legislative obligations.
* Lead and contribute to executive office processes, improving workflows, governance and coordination across the department.
* Provide guidance and mentoring to APS staff within the executive support network, fostering capability and consistency.
* Contribute to department‐wide initiatives, including governance, performance reporting, and organisational priorities.
Eligibility & Requirements
* Australian Citizen; or in limited circumstances, in the process of obtaining Australian citizenship.
* Must hold, or be able to obtain, and maintain a Negative Vetting 2 security clearance.
* High level of discretion, diplomatic skill, and ability to manage complex, politically sensitive information.
* Proven experience in executive support, policy coordination, and high‐level brief preparation.
* Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
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