Agency Purpose

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is an independent statutory authority established by the Australian Government to maintain an impartial and independent electoral system for eligible voters through active electoral roll management, efficient delivery of polling services, and targeted education and public awareness programs.

The AEC’s values and commitments

The AEC values and commitments are an essential component of our operating environment and frame how AEC staff work. The AEC's focus is on electoral integrity through the values of quality, agility and professionalism.

The Team

The Enterprise Digital Delivery Branch delivers Information, Communication and Technology services to the AEC and is divided into three sections: IT Solutions, ICT Testing and Assurance and IT Integration.  ICT services are delivered through a select sourcing model, with a mixture of in-house and outsourced resources. 

The EDD Branch is committed to building the agency’s information technology capability by providing resilient, modern and secure systems informed by data and insights, and to upskill teams to develop innovative new products and services.

The AEC is committed to the APS values of being impartial, committed to service, accountable, respectful and ethical.

The Opportunity

The Assistant Director manages a team of developers supporting the day-to-day matters relating to the development, maintenance, enhancement, and support of applications within the IT Solutions Section of the EDD Branch. This includes participating in section planning and aligning longer-term plans with agency goals and objectives. The role is responsible for undertaking very complex and/or sensitive work, under broad direction, utilizing expertise across a range of activities relating to the design of software applications. Additionally, this role will be a contributor and advisor to the architectural design decisions made by Branch leadership.

Key position responsibilities include leading and managing a team to ensure high-quality outputs, building team capability to maintain a high level of expertise, encouraging continuous improvement, and promoting the health and well-being of all team members. In collaboration with the branch leadership team, the Assistant Director will direct and prioritize the AEC’s IT workplan to ensure that resources are appropriately allocated and efficiently managed. They will also work with other teams in the work area to investigate and resolve complex issues with the operation of an application.

The role involves making and communicating decisions using professional judgment, evaluating risks in the context of a complex and changing environment. Ensuring deadlines are consistently met and maintaining a high standard of technical and design documentation is crucial. The Assistant Director will manage client relationships and work in line with project budgets, be responsible for project progress reporting, and ensure compliance with governance processes. Providing guidance, mentoring, and capability development to all direct reports is also a key responsibility.

Furthermore, the Assistant Director will contribute to doctrine, election preparation, and delivery activities in accordance with the election readiness framework, according to individual accountabilities and responsibilities. They may also perform additional duties or assume responsibility for functions as directed from time to time.

To excel you’ll have:

• Detailed knowledge of and experience in Software Development Life Cycle and demonstrated ability in the management of software solutions
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage staff while developing capabilities, encouraging career development and embedding professionalism.  
• Sound knowledge and experience in successfully managing and delivering results within time restraints and with competing priorities.
• Proven ability to communicate with influence, negotiate outcomes and manage complex stakeholder relationships, including across a geographically dispersed network. 
• Proven conceptual and analytical abilities with sound knowledge of change management practices and techniques to enable innovation.  
• Demonstrated personal drive and integrity whilst achieving results within legislative and budget parameters.

Eligibility

• AEC employees must be Australian citizens.
• Any person who is, and seen to be active in political affairs, and intends to publicly carry on this activity, may compromise the strict neutrality of the AEC and cannot be considered.
• Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain a character clearance.
• Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain the security clearance required for this role.