Assistant Director, Digital Policy

Council Jobs; Canberra; On-site; AUD 128,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

ACT Government in Canberra is seeking a Senior Officer Grade C to join the Digital Canberra team. The role focuses on delivering strategic policy advice, governance and digital reform initiatives with high visibility across government.

The successful applicant will work closely with senior executives, government writers and policy teams to shape investment, governance and policy directions. A flexible arrangement and opportunity to influence whole-of-government outcomes are offered.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse government audiences.
• Experience developing policy, strategy, governance or advisory products and providing high‑quality advice for decision making.
• Strong organisational skills, ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice to senior executives on technology investment and governance reform.
• Support whole-of-government decision-making processes and cross-government reform initiatives.
• Draft clear briefs, reports and guidance materials for Cabinet and ministerial audiences.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Stakeholder management

Policy development

Governance

Cabinet processes

Strategic thinking

Job description

Classification: Senior Officer Grade C
Salary: $127,597 - $136,873 plus superannuation
Position No: 62891
Directorate: Digital Canberra
Advertised (Gazettal date): 12 October 2026
Contact Officer: Clare Winkworth on***************@act.gov.auor(02) 6205 1***

Details: The Digital Policy team sits at the centre of some of the ACT Government's most significant technology, digital and reform initiatives. We help shape how government plans, governs and invests in technology, providing strategic advice to senior executives and supporting key whole-of-government decision-making processes. Our work spans technology investment and governance, digital strategy, Cabinet and ministerial matters, cross-government reform, and emerging policy challenges that influence the future direction of government services. This is a collaborative team that values curiosity, creativity and practical problem solving, and offers flexible working arrangements alongside opportunities to work directly with senior leaders from across government.

This role offers an opportunity to work directly with senior executives on high-priority matters, from technology investment and governance reform, strategic policy development and projects with whole-of-government reach. Over the coming months, the team will be progressing several significant projects, and the successful applicant will have the opportunity to help shape their work program based on their strengths, interests and experience.

We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds. You might bring strong government writing skills, experience preparing advice for decision-makers, governance or committee experience, Cabinet process knowledge, policy development expertise, experience developing clear communications and guidance materials, or a track record of bringing people together to solve complex problems. If you're looking for a role with variety, visibility, flexibility and genuine influence, we'd love to hear from you.

Eligibility/Other Requirements:

What we are looking for:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to turn complex issues into clear, practical advice, briefings, reports and other materials for a range of government audiences. We are particularly interested in people who can make policy and governance information easier to understand, navigate and apply in practice.
• The ability to build productive relationships and work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior executives, policy teams, delivery areas and governance forums across government.
• Experience developing policy, strategy, governance, reform or advisory products, with the ability to analyse complex information, exercise judgement and provide high-quality advice to support decision-making.
• Strong organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to manage competing priorities while delivering quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative, curious and solutions-focused approach. We value people who enjoy working as part of a team, are comfortable exploring new ideas, and can contribute to practical and innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Experience in areas such as government writing, Cabinet processes, governance and committee management, stakeholder engagement, strategic reform, or policy development will be highly regarded. We welcome applicants with a range of backgrounds and experiences and recognise that no candidate is likely to bring expertise across every aspect of the role.

The successful applicant must be an Australian citizen and possess or be able to acquire and maintain an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) security clearance at the baseline level.

Notes: This is a temporary position available immediately for up to five months. This position is available to ACT Government officers and employees only.

Selection may be based on application and referee reports only.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

Where an offer of employment is for a fixed-term period, any related temporary contracts within the Territory will be issued in compliance with the requirements and applicable exceptions outlined in the Fair Work Act.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal.

Closes: 26 October 2026