AEE1 Assistant Director – Operational Capability Development

UM Holdings; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top Secret-Privileged Access allowance

Employer superannuation 15.4%

Multiple leave options + stand down

Flexible working arrangements

Study assistance

Diversity and inclusion networks

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

ASIO is seeking an Assistant Director of Operational Capability Development to lead a high-performing team of engineers and technologists in Canberra. You will guide concept work through to long-term sustainment of operational tech, shape strategic roadmaps, manage budgets and procurements, and engage with external partners to ensure security standards and timely delivery.

You will work with senior leaders to identify risks early and deliver enduring capabilities, with a focus on staying ahead

Qualifications

• Lead and manage a team of technology professionals.
• Experience in project management including risk management.
• Familiarity with Commonwealth Procurement Rules.
• Build relationships and influence outcomes with stakeholders.
• Experience supporting intelligence, security or law enforcement operations.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly and concisely.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of engineers and technologists.
• Shape the long-term strategic roadmap for operational capability.
• Identify opportunities to improve technical capability and introduce new capabilities.
• Assist with project management, stakeholder engagement and supplier coordination.
• Contribute to budget management and workforce planning.
• Collaborate with other agencies and partners to communicate complex concepts.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Procurement rules

Stakeholder engagement

Intelligence operations

Clear communication

Education

STEM qualifications

Job description

AEE1 Assistant Director – Operational Capability Development

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security. ASIO’s people are ordinary Australians but they do extraordinary things – they are our most important asset.

To be successful, we need talented people who are highly capable, dedicated, adaptable and resilient.

We seek to reflect the community we protect. ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, where all staff are valued and respected. We welcome applications from all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, age or disability. We are culturally and linguistically diverse, language skills enhance our collective ability to protect Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply. We are secretive about what we do, not what we value.

At a time when Australia’s security environment is dynamic, diverse and degrading, our work is more important than ever. Join the mission and make a difference every day.

The opportunity

ASIO is striving to build the future of operational technology. We need forward-thinking leaders who enjoy turning complex challenges into breakthrough solutions. As an Assistant Director leading one of our operational capability development teams, you will play a vital role in building capability and shaping the tools that keep Australians safe.

You will head a talented group of engineers and technologists, guiding them from concept through to long-term sustainment of operational technology. Your day-to-day responsibilities will blend strategic planning, hands‑on problem solving and stakeholder engagement. You will ensure solutions meet ASIO’s security standards, manage procurements, and assist with keeping budgets on track—all while keeping your team ahead of emerging‑technology trends.

In this role, you will maintain strong, trusted relationships with external suppliers, other government agencies and international partners. You will work with senior managers and executives to enable early risk identification and transparent reporting.

If you thrive leading technical teams, enjoy being part of a team solving tough problems and want a role where your work makes a real difference, this is the opportunity for you.

ASIO looks for candidates who are curious, resilient and enjoy problem solving. To be successful in this role, you will build effective and enduring partnerships and enjoy leading highly technical teams while remaining focused on longer‑term objectives.

A merit pool may be created to fill future vacancies which have the same or similar requirements to this position. This merit pool will be valid for up to 18 months.

Responsibilities

As an Operational Capability Development Assistant Director within in ASIO, you will:

• Lead and manage a team of experienced technology and engineering professionals.
• Shape the long‑term strategic roadmap for operational capability to ensure ASIO maintains a competitive edge.
• Identify opportunities to improve technical capability and increase operational effect, leading the introduction of new capabilities into service.
• Assist with project management, stakeholder engagement and supplier coordination.
• Contribute to and assist with the management of directorate budgets.
• Contribute to and assist with workforce planning and the development of staff.
• Work closely with other technology teams, government agencies and industry partners to communicate complex concepts, capture lessons learned and continuously improve ASIO’s operational capability.

What you will bring

We are seeking candidates with the following capabilities:

• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop technical specialists.
• Experience in project management, including risk management.
• Familiarity with Commonwealth Procurement Rules (or the ability to master them quickly).
• Experience in building strong relationships and influencing outcomes with stakeholders.
• Experience supporting intelligence, security or law enforcement operations.
• Effective communication skills including the ability to present technical information in a clear, concise and articulate manner.

You are not required to address each capability separately in your application. Consider providing examples that illustrate multiple capabilities at once.

Refer to ASIO’s Core Capability Framework to understand what is expected at each level for each capability.

Skills and qualifications

The following qualifications are desirable, but are not required:

• Formal qualifications and or experience in STEM-related disciplines including tertiary education.

What we offer you

ASIO provides a number of benefits to its staff including:

• A competitive salary, including a 7.5% allowance for maintaining a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access (TS-PA) security clearance.
• Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4%.
• A variety of leave options in addition to the standard 4 weeks annual leave, including stand down between Christmas and New Year.
• Flexible working arrangements. Please note due to our unique working environment, work from home options are not available.
• Study assistance, including financial support and study leave for tertiary education.
• Access to 7 staff-led diversity and inclusion networks.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

To be eligible to work at ASIO, you must be:

• assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access (TS-PA) security clearance.

Location

These positions are located in Canberra, ACT. Other locations may be considered according to the needs of the Organisation.

Relocation assistance is available if required.

We advertise positions nationally to reach the broadest audience. Please refer to the above location before applying.

Reasonable adjustments

Please let us know if you require any additional assistance or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process in order to fully participate in the recruitment process or the workplace. This may include reasonable adjustments to assessment methodologies to enable full participation.

Use of artificial intelligence in recruitment processes

ASIO does not use any form of artificial intelligence (AI) at any point in the recruitment process.

All applications are reviewed by a selection panel. We recognise some applicants may use AI technologies to draft applications or prepare for interviews. If you wish to use AI, we recommend doing this only for initial drafts and ensure your application is personalised and accurately reflects your skills, experience and qualifications.

Additionally, be aware of the privacy policies of any AI tool you use. Be mindful of the information you are entering into AI tools (personal details, work history, etc) and how using it may link you to potential ASIO employment, noting that you are expected to be discrete and maintain confidentiality with your application.

If you are invited to attend interview, the use of AI tools and recording devices during interview is strictly prohibited. Should AI tools or recording services be detected, your application, and any future applications may be discontinued.

The recruitment selection process

Our selection process is rigorous and extensive. All employment decisions and selection processes at ASIO are based on merit principles and candidates must be prepared to undergo various selection stages. The stages may include application assessment, eligibility checks, online testing, skills-based assessment and interview.

We ask all applicants for their patience throughout the process.

Employment conditions

Employment is under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. Conditions of service are similar to those applying in the Australian Public Service. We recognise entitlements accrued under the Public Service Act 1999 and provide for continuation of superannuation under the Commonwealth schemes. Salary packaging arrangements are also available.

Australian Workplace Equality Index

ASIO has achieved the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold Standard in 2024, 2025 and 2026, recognising ASIO’s inclusion work and positive culture. ASIO was the first Australian intelligence agency to achieve this status.

For more information about ASIO, please visit: www.asio.gov.au.

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