Assistant Director - Governance & Trilateral Secretaria

Chandler Macleod; Canberra; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Chandler Macleod is recruiting for an exceptional opportunity within a high-profile Federal Government agency supporting Australia's long-term capability program. The role is Assistant Director – Governance & Trilateral Secretariat, coordinating senior governance forums and delivering executive-ready briefs.

You will coordinate meetings, prepare papers, draft briefs, translate program/policy information for diverse audiences, and engage stakeholders to drive timely outcomes in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• Proven experience in secretariat support and executive-level committee governance
• Exceptional written communication skills (briefs, papers, executive correspondence)
• Strong attention to detail, professionalism, and sound judgement
• Demonstrated stakeholder management and the ability to influence outcomes
• High organisational skills and comfort operating in a high-tempo environment

Responsibilities

• Coordinate governance meetings, agendas, papers, minutes, and action tracking
• Draft high-quality briefs and written products for senior leadership
• Translate complex program/policy information into clear, fit-for-purpose messaging
• Engage stakeholders to drive alignment and timely outcomes across competing priorities
• Support continuous improvement of governance processes and ways of working

Skills

Secretariat support

Executive governance

Stakeholder management

Written communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Job description

Chandler Macleod is recruiting on behalf of our client for an exceptional opportunity within a high-profile Federal Government agency supporting Australia's most significant long-term capability program.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced Assistant Director – Governance & Trilateral Secretariat to coordinate senior governance forums, deliver high-quality secretariat services, and produce clear, executive-ready briefs across complex, fast-paced stakeholder environments.

About the Role

Working within a trilateral environment, you will support effective governance and decision‑making by coordinating meetings, preparing papers, and translating program and policy information for diverse audiences. This role requires strong judgement, precision, and the ability to operate confidently with senior leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate governance meetings, agendas, papers, minutes, and action tracking
• Draft high-quality briefs and written products for senior leadership
• Translate complex program/policy information into clear, fit-for-purpose messaging
• Engage stakeholders to drive alignment and timely outcomes across competing priorities
• Support continuous improvement of governance processes and ways of working

About You:

• Proven experience in secretariat support and executive-level committee governance
• Exceptional written communication skills (briefs, meeting papers, executive correspondence)
• Strong attention to detail, professionalism, and sound judgement
• Demonstrated stakeholder management and the ability to influence outcomes
• High organisational skills and comfort operating in a high‑tempo environment
• Flexibility to occasionally work extended/non-standard hours across international time zones

Security Requirement

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) security clearance.

Location

Canberra ACT.

At Chandler Macleod, we are committed to fostering a diverse workforce where everyone is valued and included. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. For more information, visit https://www.chandlermacleod.com/diversity-and-inclusion