Assistant Director/Communications Intelligence Security Officer

Department of Education; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Education in Canberra is seeking an Assistant Director/Communications Intelligence Security Officer to strengthen security culture and align risks with strategic objectives. You will oversee COMSO, enforce security controls, and drive policies across the department to build resilience against evolving threats.

As a key security leadership role, you will manage a team of professionals, collaborate with government agencies, and ensure compliance with PSPF and related legislation,

Qualifications

• Experience leading security functions in a government department.
• Ability to develop and implement security policies and frameworks.
• Strong liaison with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Communications Intelligence Security Officer (COMSO) function by enforcing policies, procedures and controls for classified communications.
• Develop and maintain security and business continuity policies in line with government guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and security frameworks including the PSPF.
• Foster strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to enable collaboration and information sharing.
• Lead and develop a team of security professionals within the department.

Skills

Security leadership

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Team management

Job description

Assistant Director/Communications Intelligence Security Officer

As an Assistant Director at the Department of Education, you will….

Be part of an ambitious team committed to strengthening the Department of Education’s security culture. You will make a meaningful impact by applying your expertise to align security risks, priorities and initiatives with the department’s strategic objectives. By enhancing security standards, processes, and practices, you will help build a resilient and security-conscious organisation capable of confidently navigating evolving threats and future challenges.

As an Assistant Director at the Department of Education, you will….

Be part of an ambitious team committed to strengthening the Department of Education’s security culture. You will make a meaningful impact by applying your expertise to align security risks, priorities and initiatives with the department’s strategic objectives. By enhancing security standards, processes, and practices, you will help build a resilient and security-conscious organisation capable of confidently navigating evolving threats and future challenges.

The key duties of the position include:

In this role, you will be responsible for the following:

• Manage the Communications Intelligence Security Officer (COMSO) function in the department by enforcing communications policies, procedures and controls and provide oversight to classified communications.
• Support the department to uplift its security posture by developing and maintaining security and business continuity policies, procedures, and frameworks in line with Australian government security guidelines, and the operational environment of the department.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, and procedures, including the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
• Foster strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other government agencies, to ensure effective collaboration and information sharing.
• As a key member of the Security leadership team, manage a team of security professionals, offering guidance, support, and opportunities for development.

Eligibility

Employment at the Department of Education is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency delegate has agreed, in writing.
• Security Clearance: This is a designated security assessed position. The successful candidate will have the ability to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.

Getting to know the Department of Education

The Department of Education contributes to Australia's economic prosperity and social wellbeing by creating opportunities and driving better outcomes through access to quality education and learning.A strong early childhood education system built around early learning and child care gives children the best start in life—supporting them to build social and behavioural skills to help prepare them to transition to school.For parents and carers, affordable child care enables them to participate in the workforce, pursue further education or other opportunities to contribute to their community — bolstering the social wellbeing and economic prosperity of the nation.As children continue their journey through school, access to quality education creates the foundation for a bright future – it opens a world of possibilities and equips children and young people with the skills, knowledge, and career advice to prepare them for further work or study to fulfil their dreams.An affordable, and accessible higher education sector allows Australians and international students to pursue their passion in life or reskill for the jobs of the future. A strong higher education and research sector in step with national priority areas provides people with an opportunity to choose a career path that addresses skill shortages or the challenges of the future including, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, health, and education.Through education and learning, we change lives, create opportunities, and support Australia's economic success and social wellbeing.