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

Defence Australia; Canberra; On-site; AUD 220,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Defence Australia is seeking a dynamic Senior Executive Service Band 2 for the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role within Joint Capabilities Group. The successful candidate will provide ICT security leadership, strategic guidance, and governance across a large, complex government department.

You will deliver cyber security strategy, oversee operations, and communicate complex technical concepts to senior Defence executives, while ensuring compliance with Government policy and

Qualifications

• Extensive cyber security experience across multiple organisations.
• Global experience preferred for the role.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver ICT cyber security strategy.

Responsibilities

• Provide ICT security advice and guidance on significant cyber security risks.
• Provide strategic level guidance for cyber security in Defence.
• Ensure compliance with Government cyber security policy, standards, regulations and legislation.
• Advise on and influence the design, build, operate and defend functions of the Defence digital operating model.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cyber security

Written and verbal communication

Stakeholder management

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.