Senior Advisor - Defence and National Security

CMAX Advisory; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CMAX Advisory in Canberra is seeking a Senior Advisor to own Defence and national security client workstreams, deliver outputs with senior oversight, and translate political developments into practical advice.

You will work with government, industry and strategic practitioners, contribute to stakeholder engagement, policy papers and strategic communications, and coach junior staff. The role requires strong analysis, writing and organisational skills in a dynamic public affairs environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience in defence, national security, or government policy.
• Strong writing, research and analytical abilities.
• Ability to translate complex issues into actionable advice.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and client-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Own defined Defence and national security client workstreams and deliver outputs with appropriate senior oversight.
• Monitor and analyse political, policy, regulatory, Defence and industry developments.
• Translate complex information into clear, accurate and practical client advice.
• Prepare high-quality briefings, submissions, policy papers, presentations and stakeholder strategies.
• Maintain visibility of priorities, responsibilities, deadlines and emerging risks.
• Support and coach junior staff and contribute to improvements in processes.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Writing skills

Research

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job description

Own meaningful Defence work and develop as a trusted adviser

CMAX Advisory is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Advisor to join our Defence and national security team. This is an opportunity to take meaningful responsibility for client work while developing your advisory capability alongside experienced government, industry and strategic practitioners. You will own defined workstreams, work directly with clients and stakeholders, and help translate political, policy and industry developments into practical advice and action. Working with Managers, Deputy Directors and Directors, you will contribute across government relations, strategy, stakeholder engagement, policy, market intelligence and strategic communications.

About CMAX Advisory

CMAX Advisory helps organisations navigate government, shape their operating environment and turn strategic intent into practical and commercial outcomes. We combine the senior judgement, trusted relationships and responsiveness of a specialist government relations practice with broader capability across corporate strategy, strategic communications, political and regulatory analysis, market intelligence and execution. Our clients engage us for more than access or advice in isolation. We help them understand complex environments, influence decisions, manage risk, pursue opportunities and translate strategy into action. CMAX has particular depth in Defence and national security, alongside an established and growing portfolio across health, mining, resources, energy and other regulated sectors. Our teams bring together the right expertise around each client challenge rather than approaching it through a single service line.

Position summary

The Senior Advisor is responsible for owning and delivering defined client workstreams with appropriate senior oversight. The role requires strong analysis, writing and organisational skills, together with the confidence to manage routine client interactions and contribute to stakeholder engagement. You will be expected to exercise sound judgement, maintain consistently high standards and recognise when an issue requires consultation or escalation. The successful candidate will be curious, diligent and able to understand complex subject matter quickly. They will connect political and policy developments with clients' strategic and commercial objectives and convert that analysis into practical advice.

Key responsibilities

The Senior Advisor will:

• own defined Defence and national security client workstreams and deliver agreed outputs with appropriate senior oversight
• monitor and analyse political, policy, regulatory, Defence and industry developments
• translate complex information into clear, accurate and practical client advice
• prepare high-quality briefings, submissions, policy papers, presentations, stakeholder strategies and meeting materials
• understand evolving stakeholder landscapes and maintain accurate political, departmental, ADF and industry intelligence
• contribute to government relations, market-positioning and stakeholder engagement strategies
• coordinate client and stakeholder meetings, including preparation, briefing and follow-up
• manage routine client interactions professionally and responsively
• maintain visibility of priorities, responsibilities, deadlines and emerging risks
• deliver work within agreed scope, timing and quality expectations
• support and coach Advisors, Graduates and other developing team members
• share knowledge and contribute to improvements in CMAX's products and ways of working
• contribute to proposals and identify opportunities to provide additional value to clients.

Qualifications and experience

You will bring:

• a minimum of 2 years relevant experience in Defence, national security, government, policy, government relations, public affairs, strategic communications, consulting or professional services
• a sound understanding of Australian Government and parliamentary processes
• strong research, analysis and strategic problem-solving skills
• excellent writing skills and the ability to prepare concise, decision-useful advice
• experience taking ownership of projects or defined workstreams
• confidence engaging directly with clients and stakeholders
• sound judgement, discretion and political awareness
• the ability to understand complex information and identify its practical implications
• strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• an appreciation of scope, time, quality and client value
• a collaborative approach and willingness to contribute across account teams
• a genuine interest in Defence capability, industry policy and Australia's national security environment.

Experience within the Department of Defence, the Australian Defence Force, national security agencies, a ministerial or parliamentary office, Defence industry or a relevant consulting environment would be highly regarded.

Our values

CMAX's culture is grounded in Integrity, Loyalty, Teamwork and Respect. We are looking for someone who acts honestly, prepares thoroughly, exercises sound judgement and protects client confidence. They will share knowledge, support colleagues and treat clients, stakeholders and team members with professionalism and consideration.

At CMAX, you will not sit at the edge of client engagements. You will be trusted with meaningful responsibility and have the opportunity to see your analysis and advice translated into action. You will work closely with senior practitioners, build relationships across government and industry, and develop through direct feedback, coaching and increasingly complex work. CMAX is large enough to provide significant and challenging work, but sufficiently focused for individuals to be visible, trusted and influential.

CMAX Advisory welcomes applications from people with diverse professional and personal backgrounds. We are committed to a respectful, inclusive and high-performing workplace.