Director Public Programs and Engagement

Job Details

Job Title: Director Public Programs and Engagement

Employment Type: Ongoing

Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 2

Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 21 April 2025

Contact: Denise Catt, 02 6277 5001, denise.catt@aph.gov.au

The Opportunity

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is seeking a high performing Director to lead the Public Programs and Engagement section of the Parliamentary Engagement branch (PEB).

The Director, Public Programs and Engagement is a leadership role within PEB, leading the successful development and delivery of public programs and events, and external engagement with the cultural and tourism sectors. The role is also responsible for managing flag requests, building illuminations (including for the Enlighten Festival) and other public engagement opportunities.

The Director position will play a leadership role in enhancing Parliament House’s status as an iconic building and location of national significance to ensure that the public can experience the heart of Australian democracy.
 

Who we are looking for

The ideal candidate will have a track record in leading high performing teams responsible for designing and delivering public programs and events in a government context to meet the needs of diverse audiences. 

You will be a collaborator with well-developed project planning and event management skills to manage resources to achieve quality outcomes in a complex stakeholder context. Effective and respectful collaboration is critical to the success of the position - both internally with stakeholders and externally with other government departments and industry partners. You will have experience working in organisations with responsibility for sound governance and respect for protocols, and an ability to develop and maintain effective foundations and systems to ensure ongoing success.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you will drive a high-performance culture, engage and motivate staff, and ensure the team is set up for success as we evolve public programming at Parliament House. If you believe that you are a good fit for DPS, what we are looking for, and have the requisite skills, we would like to hear from you.
 

Job Specific Requirements: 

• Relevant qualifications from a tertiary institution, or substantial relevant work experience.
• Experience working in government agencies would be highly regarded.
• The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 (Confidential/Highly Protected/Secret) security clearance.

At DPS, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people who identify as LGBTQIA+, people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people who identify as neurodivergent, and mature aged people.

Duty Statement

Classification: Parliamentary Executive Level 2 

Branch: Parliamentary Engagement Branch 

Section: Cultural Strategy and Experience 

Immediate supervisor: Assistant Secretary Parliamentary Engagement Branch 

Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Executive Level 2 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.    Lead the Public Programs and Engagement section with responsibility for a small dynamic team designing and delivering an annual public program of events including ceremonies, workshops and illuminations. 
2.    Provide strategic direction for the development of new opportunities and external collaborations. Deepen the public’s understanding about Parliament House, the work of Parliament, parliamentary democracy, the architecture and art collection, and Australia’s political history.
3.    Provide high-level strategic advice, analysis, and support to DPS Senior Executive including the preparation of departmental briefing papers, complex correspondence, and other collateral in a timely manner to ensure appropriate approval and reporting obligations are met.
4.    Manage requests received by DPS to fly or lower external flags at APH, illumination, performance and fundraising requests, in line with policies and protocols and to the satisfaction of stakeholders.
5.    Collaborate with relevant areas of DPS to devise and promote experiences and offerings that engage visitors with Australian parliamentary democracy and Parliament House and its art collection.
6.    Provide the public face of the department in the promotion of events and activities at Parliament House.
7.    Contribute towards branch operational and strategic goals through public deliverables, stakeholder and audience communication, and evaluation activities.
8.    Actively develop and maintain strong working relationships across the building and with external organisations as needed, including representing the branch and the department at various committees and project boards.

Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.

How to apply

Please upload a CV and pitch (750 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department. 

Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why you are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role. Frame your pitch around the role description and relevant ILS Profile. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role. 

For additional guidance when crafting you application, please refer to the the DPS Recruitment Candidate Information Pack, which provides helpful tips on how to structure your pitch and highlight your most relevant skills and experience effectively.

Our purpose and values

We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.  

Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace. 

Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

What we can offer

Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:  

•    access to flexible work arrangements 
•    ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities 
•    a competitive remuneration package
•    free secure underground parking
•    free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
•    on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.

Salary

An attractive salary, which could be negotiated with the successful candidate, is on offer.

Conditions of Employment

Employment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:

•    Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen. 

•    Security clearance and character clearance – the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. 

•    Health assessment – a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.