Executive Officer

The Role

The APS 6 Executive Officer provides high-level administrative, coordination, communication and business support to the Director General Hunter Class Frigate (DG-HCF) and the Hunter Class Frigate Branch.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing branch tasking, correspondence and reporting.
• Supporting governance activities, stakeholder engagement and executive meetings.
• Preparing and quality assuring briefs, correspondence, ministerial and Cabinet submissions, reports and meeting materials.
• Coordinating responses to parliamentary, ministerial and corporate tasking.
• Engaging with prime and subcontractors on media-related matters.
• Assisting with communication products, speeches and presentations.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders to support branch outcomes.

Located within the Executive Directorate, the position is critical to the effective operation of the branch in a dynamic, high-tempo environment. 

About our Team

The Hunter Class Frigate (HCF) is one of the world’s most advanced warships, and the project is Australia’s largest shipbuilding project. The HCF program provides the foundation for Continuous Naval Shipbuilding and is bringing together global expertise from the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia to solve complex design and construction challenges.

The HCF program has introduced new approaches to Defence project and engineering management. Whilst built on traditional systems engineering and contract management approaches, Defence and the shipbuilding industry are evolving to meet the demands associated with growing and sustaining a skilled, sovereign workforce.

As a member of Team Hunter, you will be contributing to a high-impact, national capability, while fostering innovation and collaboration, and demonstrating decisive leadership. As an Australian Public Servant in Defence, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous conditions, and a competitive remuneration package, including 15.4% superannuation, as outlined in the Defence Enterprise Agreement.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking experienced administration, communications and coordination professionals with strong organisational skills, sound judgement, and an interest in Defence. The role operates in a dynamic environment and requires the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and respond proactively to emerging issues.

Our ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience preparing briefs, correspondence, reports, and executive documentation.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities.
• The ability to exercise sound judgement and work effectively under limited direction.
• Proven experience coordinating activities across multiple work areas and meeting tight deadlines.
• Experience supporting governance processes and executive decision-making.
• Adaptability, resilience, and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in communication and presentation tools.
• Professional maturity and a commitment to Australia's national interests.

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies.

Security Clearance:

Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 1.

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit https://www.defence.gov.au/jobs-careers