EL1 Assistant Director- Design Strategist

DFP Recruitment; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

DFP Recruitment is seeking an EL1 Assistant Director – Design Strategists to join a large Federal Government agency undertaking significant service design and transformation initiatives. You will apply human-centred design, strategic thinking and evidence-based analysis to address complex organisational challenges and support informed decision-making.

Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will lead strategic design or contribute to service delivery improvements, develop practical

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic design, service design, transformation or organisational improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to navigate ambiguity and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience applying human-centred design, systems thinking and research methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex information and translate findings into practical improvements.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, consultation and facilitation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing strategic advice for senior stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Innovative mindset and interest in emerging digital practices, including AI and automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to strategic design, service design and organisational improvement initiatives.
• Apply human-centred design, systems thinking and strategic analysis to complex service delivery challenges.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify opportunities and develop practical solutions.
• Conduct research and synthesise qualitative and quantitative data to generate actionable insights.
• Engage with stakeholders across the organisation to inform future services, policies and operational approaches.
• Prepare high-quality briefs, presentations and strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Contribute to transformation initiatives that enhance customer, staff and organisational experiences.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement across service delivery processes.

Skills

Strategic design

Service design

Transformation

Organisational improvement

Analytical thinking

Human-centred design

Systems thinking

Research methodologies

Stakeholder engagement

Facilitation

Written communication

Verbal communication

Priorities management

Innovative mindset

AI & automation interest

Job description

DFP Recruitment is seeking experienced EL1 Assistant Directors – Design Strategists to join a large Federal Government agency undertaking significant service design and transformation initiatives.

This opportunity will see you contribute to strategic design, organisational improvement and the development of future service approaches that deliver meaningful outcomes for the Australian community.

Working within a multidisciplinary environment, you will apply human-centred design, strategic thinking and evidence-based analysis to address complex organisational challenges and support informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to strategic design, service design and organisational improvement initiatives.
• Apply human-centred design, systems thinking and strategic analysis to complex service delivery challenges.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify opportunities and develop practical solutions.
• Conduct research and synthesise qualitative and quantitative data to generate actionable insights.
• Engage with stakeholders across the organisation to inform future services, policies and operational approaches.
• Prepare high-quality briefs, presentations and strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Contribute to transformation initiatives that enhance customer, staff and organisational experiences.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement across service delivery processes.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in strategic design, service design, transformation or organisational improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Experience applying human-centred design, systems thinking and research methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex information and translate findings into practical improvements.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, consultation and facilitation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing strategic advice for senior stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• An innovative mindset and an interest in emerging digital practices, including AI and automation.

Experience within Federal Government, the broader public sector, disability, health or other complex service delivery environments will be highly regarded.

Additional Information

• Contract: 12 months, with potential extension
• Hours: Full-time
• Start Date: ASAP, subject to pre-employment checks
• Eligibility:Applicants must be Australian citizens to be considered for this opportunity
• Pre-employment Checks: National Criminal History Records Check and standard agency screening requirements

DFP welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability. In addition, DFP will provide reasonable adjustments for individuals with disability throughout the recruitment process. If you identify as a person with disability and require adjustments to the application, recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please advise [e-mail]1300 337 000and indicate your preferred method of communication (email, phone, text) so we can keep in touch and meet your accessibility needs.

For further information on how DFP process your personal information please review the DFP Information Collection and Privacy Policy via https://www.dfp.com.au/legal_documents/privacy_policy.