Director Strategic Workforce Transformation
In this role, you will shape and develop the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) workforce by leading strategic workforce initiatives that align with Defence capability priorities and organisational objectives. You will design and implement workforce strategies that build future capability, ensuring DSTG remains agile for emerging challenges. The role has a direct impact on the people foundation of the Defence Innovation Science and Technology Strategy: Accelerating Asymmetric Advantage; Delivering More, Together.
You will lead three teams:
* The Strategic Workforce Team. This team delivers key strategic workforce initiatives across DSTG, including development of Strategic Workforce Plans, redesigning the Science and Technology Job Family for Defence, and mobility planning to rebalance the workforce. The team uses workforce data and analytics to inform evidence-based decisions, monitor trends, assess workforce risks, and develop mitigation strategies for capability resilience.
* The Workforce Transformation Team. This team develops workforce capability through delivering key development programs including NAVIGATE (Defence's STEM mid-career program) and the Graduate Certificate in Scientific Leadership Program (GCSL), among others. The team is responsible for recruiting and onboarding, managing rotations and placements, leading learning and development programs for DSTG, and ensuring seamless administration and delivery of initiatives.
* The DSTG Reservist Cell. This newly integrated function within the Workforce Capability and Talent Team is responsible for managing Australian Defence Force (ADF) reservists employed across DSTG. This team ensures reservists work on high-priority tasks aligned with project and budget requirements.
In leading these teams you will engage with Senior Leaders, the Chief Defence Scientist, broader Defence, Government Agencies and the STEM ecosystem to drive strategic workforce decisions, collaborate to scale workforce initiatives, and develop leadership capability across DSTG. You will govern and deliver programs and projects within your team and ensure alignment with enterprise strategies and programs including the Defence Culture Blueprint, the National Defence Strategy 2024, and the Defence Innovation Science and Technology Strategy: Accelerating Asymmetric Advantage, Delivering More, Together.
Director Culture and Engagement
In this role, you will shape the future DSTG workforce by collaborating with internal and external partners to foster an agile, inclusive DSTG culture, grow a diverse STEM pipeline for Defence, enhance entry pathways, and contribute to building Defence capability.
The role will have a direct impact on the people foundation of the Defence Innovation Science and Technology Strategy: Accelerating Asymmetric Advantage; Delivering More, Together.
You will lead three teams:
* The Outreach and Engagement team. This team grows a diverse STEM pipeline by shaping, partnering with, and influencing the Australian STEM ecosystem. It delivers major Defence outreach programs including Science Alive, National Science Week, and DSTEM, the annual Defence STEM student conference that strengthens inter-Defence collaboration.
* The Entry Level Program Team. This team manages and delivers student pipeline programs, including the Research & Innovation Graduate Program, STEM Cadetship Program, Summer Vacation Program, and Industry Experience Placement Program. It works to understand challenges and barriers in the STEM pipeline and collaborates with stakeholders to bridge gaps for underrepresented cohorts.
* The Culture and Inclusion team. This team builds a dynamic, inclusive culture where DSTG staff feel psychologically safe and can thrive. It leads DSTG's Diversity and Culture Action Plans, collaborates with the Defence Culture Blueprint team to shape Defence culture, leads gender equity in STEM for Defence, grows the Indigenous STEM pipeline, and supports Defence engagement in programs such as the Aboriginal Learners Congress (STEM).
About our Team
The Workforce Capability and Talent (WCT) team within DSTG's Headquarters Division builds Defence capability through strategic management of the Defence S&T workforce. WCT ensures a strong, diverse pipeline to meet future workforce demand by planning capability, partnering to raise the profile of STEM, engaging with talent pools, and developing sustainable talent management strategies. The team comprises six functions including Culture Transformation, Entry Level Programs, STEM Outreach and Engagement, Diversity and Inclusion, Strategic Workforce Planning, and Current Workforce (including learning and development and key workforce programs). WCT leads the essential 'People' foundation of the Defence Innovation Science and Technology Strategy: Accelerating Asymmetric Advantage; Delivering More, Together, focused on developing a highly skilled, collaborative workforce that values diversity where everyone can thrive.
The WCT team is small but agile, often working across teams to assist on key projects, including STEM events.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in the STEM sector, strong leadership and strategic thinking skills, resilience, innovation, and personal drive. They will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to partner with the broader National STEM ecosystem, and the capacity to solve complex challenges. They will possess strong critical thinking, stakeholder management, and collaboration skills.
For the Director Strategic Workforce Transformation role, they will have demonstrated excellence in leading large-scale strategic workforce initiatives and effectively engaging Senior Leaders as a trusted advisor on strategic workforce transformation.
For the Director Culture and Inclusion role, they will have experience in changing organisational culture, leading diversity efforts, and leading with influence, with the ability to engage Senior Leaders as a trusted advisor on culture, inclusion, the STEM pipeline and Entry Programs.
Application Closing Date: Thursday 19 February 2026
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