Head of Division, Australian Space Agency

Derwent; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) is seeking a senior executive to lead the Australian Space Agency division. You will drive governance, performance and strategic direction at the SES Band 2 level, and build influential relationships with government, industry and international partners.

You will oversee civil space policy, regulatory obligations and international engagements, guiding high-stakes negotiations and organisational capability across a complex portfolio.

Qualifications

• Senior executive capable of leading a division and delivering government priorities.
• Strategic direction setting, governance, and transformation leadership.
• Ability to provide authoritative advice to ministers and senior officials on complex issues.
• Proven ability to influence across organizational boundaries and lead high-level negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Head of Division governance, performance and strategic direction for the Australian Space Agency within DISR.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with state/territory governments, industry, research institutions and international partners.
• Represent the department in domestic and international forums on civil space matters.
• Oversee civil space regulation, international obligations and major cross‑agency initiatives.

Skills

SES Band 2 leadership

Strategic direction

Governance

Executive leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiations with government

Education

Tertiary qualifications relevant to portfolio responsibilities

Job description

About the department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology.

We do this by:

• growing innovative and competitive businesses, industries and regions
• investing in science and technology
• strengthening the resources sector.

Globally competitive industries are important contributors to Australia’s economic growth and productivity. Jobs and prosperity can be secured through competitive businesses and industries and opening new markets for Australian resources. The department works closely with industry, businesses, the science community, and other stakeholders to help build a globally confident and outward looking Australian economy through supporting science and commercialisation; growing business investment and improving business capability; and simplifying doing business.

For more information about the department please refer to our website www.industry.gov.au.

Who we are

The Australian Government established the Australian Space Agency (the Agency), a division within DISR, on 1 July 2018 to coordinate civil space matters across government and support the growth and transformation of Australia’s space industry. The Agency is the primary source of advice to the Australian Government on civil space policy. The Agency is also responsible for regulating Australian space activities.

The Agency has six responsibilities:

1. Providing national policy and strategic advice on the civil space sector.
2. Coordinating Australia’s domestic civil space sector activities.
3. Supporting the growth of Australia’s space industry and the use of space across the broader economy.
4. International civil space engagement.
5. Administering space activities legislation and delivering on our international obligations.
6. Inspiring the Australian community and the next generation of space entrepreneurs.

Please visit www.space.gov.au to learn more about the Australian Space Agency.

The opportunity

The Head of Division for the Australian Space Agency is responsible for the Division’s governance, performance and strategic direction. As a member of the department’s senior leadership team, you will contribute to departmental priorities and lead the delivery of the Australian Government’s civil space policy, regulatory and program responsibilities.

The role supports policy, program and regulatory outcomes that enable industry growth, ensures the Agency delivers against government priorities, and positions the sector to contribute to Australia’s economic, technological and national interests. The Head of Division provides authoritative, evidence-based advice to the Government and senior officials on complex, and at times sensitive matters.

The Head of Division builds and sustains strategic relationships with state and territory governments, industry, research institutions and international partners. The role supports high‑level negotiations, represents the department and, where required, the Australian Government in domestic and international forums, and oversees civil space regulation, international obligations and major whole‑of‑nation initiatives.

The Head of Division is responsible for building organisational capability, fostering a high‑performance and inclusive culture, and managing significant resources, risks and competing priorities. Through visible and influential leadership, the role will strengthen domestic and international partnerships, encourage investment and innovation, and support the delivery of Australia’s civil space priorities.

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will be an experienced senior executive who can lead a division, provide high-quality advice and deliver government and departmental priorities. They will demonstrate the leadership expected at Senior Executive Service (SES) Band 2, including strategic direction, sound governance, effective delivery, collaboration across organisational boundaries and stewardship of people and resources.

We are seeking a candidate with:

• a record of leading divisions or organisations, and delivering outcomes in complex, high‑profile and contested environments
• demonstrated success in setting strategic direction, translating government priorities into sustained organisational performance, and leading transformation and reform
• the judgement to provide authoritative advice to ministers and senior officials and to resolve complex, sensitive and high‑risk issues
• a proven ability to influence across organisational and jurisdictional boundaries and lead high‑level engagement and negotiations with government, industry and international partners
• enterprise leadership, including stewardship of people, resources, risk, governance and organisational capability in support of long‑term public value
• an outstanding record of building high‑performing, inclusive and accountable leadership teams and leading through ambiguity, change and competing priorities
• high‑order policy, analytical and commercial acumen, with the ability to connect strategic, regulatory, economic and operational considerations
• a sophisticated understanding of Commonwealth government, including Cabinet, central agency, budget, regulatory and parliamentary processes exceptional communication, advocacy and representational skills, with the capacity to build confidence, inspire action, communicate effectively and support the department’s reputation and objectives
• exemplary integrity and behaviours consistent with the APS Values and Code of Conduct, and a strong commitment to APS stewardship.
• Tertiary qualifications relevant to the responsibilities of the portfolio are desirable.

Eligibility

This vacancy requires a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance. Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We strongly believe that diversity of experience, perspective, and background will lead to a better environment for our employees and better outcomes for Australia.

Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with disability are highly encouraged because your diverse experience, perspectives, and background strengthen our service delivery, productivity, capability and innovation.

Applications close Thursday 31 December 2026.