Assistant Director, Permission Systems and Strategy
EL1
Townsville
Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Full-time
Applications close Wednesday 16th September 2026, 11:59pm AEST
The Position
We are seeking an experienced policy and/or project management professional to join our team with broad skills in the delivery of regulatory permitting/licensing systems. The role combines strategic policy and legislative reform, risk-based service improvement, stewardship of current systems and reporting, and development of the business case and transition to a contemporary digital permits system under limited direction with reasonable autonomy and accountability.
You will be a team player, working closely and collaboratively with other areas of the Reef Authority, the Australian and Queensland government’s Reef Joint Field Management Program, Traditional Owners and other Queensland and Commonwealth government partner agencies as well as a diverse network of stakeholders.
What you'll do
- Lead a multi-disciplinary team in a dynamic environment to deliver high quality outcomes, meet deadlines and achieve organisational goals.
- Drive contemporary policy, legislative frameworks and business systems to support a risk-based permissions and compliance program that is effective across the Commonwealth and State marine park jurisdictions for the Great Barrier Reef, including high quality and timely briefing and strategic advice to Senior Management
- Provide business ownership and strategic oversight of current permissions systems, data and reporting, including system performance, data quality, business continuity, reporting capability, governance, prioritisation of enhancements and coordination with ICT teams and service providers.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships, including working collaboratively and persuasively, with Australian and Queensland government agencies, Traditional Owners, research institutions and industries that use the Great Barrier Reef.
- Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to negotiate persuasively, and provide high quality briefs, reports, presentations and submissions.
- Ensure high team performance and encourage a productive, collegiate and happy team environment, modelling the Reef Authority’s culture and behaviour standards.
What you'll bring
- You have sound judgement and are a natural problem solver, a doer and are known for seeing things through to completion.
- You can develop clear, evidence-based policies, guidelines and legislative proposals; navigate government approval processes; and negotiate jointly supported outcomes with partner agencies, ideally in an environmental management / marine protected area context.
- You enjoy leading and being part of a cohesive, high performing team.
- You provide quality risk-based advice to senior management and have a good understanding of government processes and requirements.
- You possess excellent communication skills and produce clear, concise and persuasive material for a variety of audiences.
- You are agile in managing evolving priorities and complex projects while maintaining delivery of core functions and longer-term strategic outcomes.
For more information about this opportunity, please contact Julia Chandler, Director Environmental Assessment and Protection, Ph. 0447 682 764
Why join the Reef Authority?
At the Reef Authority, you'll build a meaningful career while helping protect one of the world's most iconic natural assets. We offer a supportive, flexible and purpose-driven workplace where your work has real impact.
You'll enjoy competitive APS employment conditions, including up to 15.4% employer superannuation, flexible working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives, professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
Essential Requirements
To be eligible for employment, candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of application.
The position requires a Baseline security clearance. Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
The successful candidate will be willing to provide identity documents and undergo an identity pre-employment check through a Document Verification Service.
How to apply
The Reef Authority is committed to authenticity and integrity in all recruitment activities. We want to understand who you are, your experiences, and what you bring to the role.
While you may use AI tools to assist with your application, your final submission must reflect your own voice, skills, and experiences. Candidates should familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.
Misrepresentation or unethical use of AI can compromise fairness and integrity and may result in removal from the process or other consequences. AI should be used to support (not replace) your authentic contribution.
Please ensure you read the instructions below and on the Position Description carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.
You will be required to prepare a response document (“pitch”) in MSWord or PDF format using standard margins and size 11 Arial font.
Please prepare a ‘pitch’, as outlined in the Position Description, in relation to the advertised role, outlining:
- how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to perform the duties and meet the technical and behavioural capabilities of the role.
- any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
- how you meet the eligibility requirements and qualifications for the position.
When crafting your response, we encourage you to review ‘Cracking the Code’ and the relevant Australian Public Service Work Level Standards which can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website: www.apsc.gov.au.
Please complete your application online and provide:
- your ‘pitch’ (as described above and in the position description).
- proof of Australian citizenship (an Australian Passport or Australian Birth Certificate)
- a current curriculum vitae (resume)
Applicants are advised to read further information provided on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Careers website.
PLEASE NOTE: - The panel may not consider additional information such as a cover letter or content exceeding the page limit.
Notes
- The current position is ongoing however through this process may create a merit pool to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that become available within the next 18 months.
- We do not accept unsolicited résumés from recruitment agencies.
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme, you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability
Eligibility
Employment with the Reef Authority is subject to:
- Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999.
- Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level.
- Evidence of citizenship status.
- Evidence of qualifications required of the role.
- Evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by the Reef Authority.
- The CEO of the Reef Authority, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.
- The Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book provides information on minimum eligibility requirements for holding a security clearance at the required level. Please ensure that you are able to provide the necessary documents if you apply for the position. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the AGSVA website.
