Director, AI Strategy, Policy & Engagement

Department of Defence; Canberra; On-site; AUD 210,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Defence seeks a Director AI Strategy, Policy and Engagement in Canberra to lead a high-performing team delivering Defence AI priorities and enterprise governance.

You will drive the AI strategy, policy frameworks, risk management, and engagement with government, industry, academia and international partners to realise capability and decision advantage.

Applicants must obtain Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance and be prepared to lead across diverse domains.

Qualifications

• Strategic leadership experience in large government or complex organisations.
• Experience developing and implementing high-impact AI initiatives, governance frameworks, and workforce capability programs.
• Exceptional problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to convey complex concepts clearly.
• Influencing and negotiating across diverse stakeholder groups to achieve outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of Defence's AI Strategy, aligning with government priorities and Defence objectives.
• Provide leadership for AI policy, governance and assurance, establishing frameworks, accountabilities and standards.
• Build Defence's AI workforce capability and communities of practice.
• Engage senior Defence leaders, government agencies, industry, academia and international partners to strengthen AI capability.
• Provide advice to senior executives on AI strategy, governance, risk, assurance, workforce capability and adoption.
• Translate government policy and regulatory requirements into practical frameworks and initiatives.
• Drive AI adoption through targeted engagement, strategic communications and change leadership.
• Identify and manage strategic AI risks while enabling innovation and capability delivery.
• Lead and develop a high-performing multidisciplinary team with a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Public sector experience

AI governance

Change management

Communication skills

Job description

The Department of Defence seeks a Director AI Strategy, Policy and Engagement in Canberra to lead a high-performing team delivering Defence AI priorities and enterprise governance.

You will drive the AI strategy, policy frameworks, risk management, and engagement with government, industry, academia and international partners to realise capability and decision advantage.

Applicants must obtain Negative Vetting Level 2 security clearance and be prepared to lead across diverse domains.