Executive Level 1 Assistant Director - Property (various roles)

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade; Canberra; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department in Canberra is seeking an Executive Level 1 Assistant Director - Property. The role involves managing projects, negotiating overseas leases, and supporting portfolio planning. Ideal candidates will have experience in project management, property leasing, or data analysis in a governance context. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to the management of a diverse overseas property portfolio.

Qualifications

• Experience in project management, especially in overseeing project lifecycles and budgets.
• Background in commercial property leasing or investment planning.
• Familiarity with data analysis and governance practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage overseas projects including refurbishments and new constructions.
• Negotiate and manage overseas leases, ensuring compliance with legislation.
• Support long-term portfolio planning and engage with international partners.

Skills

Project management

Property leasing

Data analysis

Governance

Job description

Executive Level 1 Assistant Director - Property (various roles)

Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade – Canberra ACT

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is recruiting for EL1 positions within the Overseas Property Office and Services Division (OPO). These roles contribute to the strategic planning, delivery, and management of DFAT’s overseas property portfolio, which includes over 1,000 owned and leased properties across 121 overseas locations. We are seeking candidates for three distinct streams: Project Management, Property Leasing, and Strategic Property Management.

Project Management roles lead overseas projects, including refurbishments, relocations, and new constructions. Candidates will manage project lifecycles, budgets, procurement, and reporting, ensuring alignment with DFAT’s strategic objectives and financial sustainability. Experience in project management will be highly regarded.

Property Leasing roles focus on negotiating and managing overseas leases, including renewals, rent reviews, acquisitions, and divestments. Candidates will provide strategic leasing advice, conduct market scans, and ensure compliance with property legislation and policy frameworks. Experience in commercial property leasing and/or investment planning will be highly regarded.

Strategic Property Management roles support long‑term portfolio planning, governance, and policy development. Candidates will analyse property data, contribute to asset management plans, and engage with international partners to benchmark and align property policies. Experience in data analysis or governance will be highly regarded.