Senior Executive Service Band 2 – Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Defence Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Australian government department is seeking a dynamic Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to enhance its cyber security posture. The role involves providing ICT security advice, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing cyber security risks across Defence. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in cyber security, strong leadership skills, and the ability to communicate complex information effectively. This role offers an opportunity to significantly impact Australia's national security efforts.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in cyber security across multiple organizations.
• Knowledge in ICT cyber security strategy and operations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide ICT security advice on cyber security risks.
• Ensure compliance with cyber security policies and regulations.
• Advise on the design and operation of Defence digital model.

Skills

Leadership

Judgement

Communication

Innovation

Cyber Security Knowledge

Job description

Senior Executive Service Band 2 – Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Defence is seeking dynamic senior executives to drive the organisation forward and deliver on Defence’s mission – to defend Australia and its national interests.

As part of the Senior Leadership Group, you will play a key role in promoting and influencing a shared commitment to the strategic direction of Defence, as most recently detailed in the National Defence Strategy.

You will:

• Lead and manage practicing inclusive leadership, collaboration and integrity;
• Demonstrate strong judgement and capitalize on innovative alternatives to resolve complex problems;
• Effectively challenge the status quo when required;
• Demonstrate resilience and personal accountability for the quality of advice and delivery of results;
• Demonstrate exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader, exemplify the Defence Values and Behaviours, and engender a culture of innovation and agility. They will be self‑aware, positive in considering and respecting a diversity of ideas and perspectives of others. They will demonstrate the capability to provide timely and accurate advice to senior leaders and Government on complex matters. They will have outstanding judgement, strategic awareness, and parliamentary and media acumen.

As part of this selection process, a Merit Pool of highly suitable candidates will be established to fill current vacancies and any similar vacancies that may arise over the next 18 months.

Your Role

The Department of Defence is seeking a dynamic and outstanding senior executive for Defence’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role within Joint Capabilities Group (JCG).

As the Defence CISO, you will be responsible for:

• Providing ICT security advice and guidance on significant cyber security risks that contributes to the overall security performance and agency level risk of Defence.
• Providing strategic level guidance for cyber security in Defence.
• Ensuring compliance with Government directed cyber security policy, standards, regulations and legislation for Defence.
• Advising on and influencing the design, build, operate and defend functions of the Defence digital operating model, and the ICT security management systems and resources across Defence.
• Working with the Chief Security Officer, providing strategic oversight of all cyber security related risk and ensuring it is codified in the Enterprise Risk Framework.
• Assisting with the transformation of the cyber security posture of the largest Federal Government Department.

To be a strong candidate for this role, you will need to have extensive experience in cyber security in more than one organisation, and preferably have global experience. You will require knowledge and experience in delivering ICT cyber security strategy, the conduct of ICT cyber security operations, and providing cyber security technical direction in a large, complex and diverse organisation. You will be a strategic thinker with significant leadership and management ability and possess strong written and verbal communication skills. You will be a persuasive leader who can simplify and communicate highly technical information to non‑technical senior Defence executives.

Application Closing Date: 1 February 2026

For further information please review the job information pack, reference JCG/09323/25 on www.defence.gov.au/apscareers.