Three Chief Technology Officer Opportunities - Chief of Division Grade 1

Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) in the Department of Defence is seeking dynamic senior executives to provide leadership and vision to shape the future of scientific research and client programs in the Science Engagement and Impact Division.

Chief Technology Officer – Strategy & National Security

Position location: Canberra

The Chief Technology Officer – Strategy & National Security will report to the Chief of Science Engagement and Impact Division and is responsible for the implementation and oversight of Defence’s Innovation, Science and Technology strategies and the coordination of whole-of-government science and technology for national security. The Chief Technology Officer will ensure that DSTG’s science and technology policy frameworks are managed and coordinated across the organisation as well as the wider Defence enterprise.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader in delivering a better integrated and whole-of-government science and technology capability that is focused on realising significant outcomes for Australia’s defence and national security communities. Able to influence, negotiate and engender enthusiasm in others, the appointee will have astute judgement, political awareness and an inclusive leadership style, taking a proactive approach to professional and organisational development. Outstanding interpersonal and representational skills will be key to building strong relationships with Defence clients, the national security S&T community and partners from publicly funded research agencies.

Chief Technology Officer – Science and Technology Capability

Position location: Canberra

The Chief Technology Officer – Science and Technology (S&T) Capability will report to the Chief of Science Engagement and Impact Division and is responsible for the Program Management of S&T activities across the Defence enterprise. They are also responsible for the development and implementation of mechanisms to enable coordination and management of all S&T activities across DSTG and Defence, and fostering strong relationships with industry, academia and national and international science partners.. The Chief Technology Officer is also responsible for ensuring technology risk is understood and mitigated in major Defence acquisition projects through the provision of consistent S&T advice to enable informed decisions. As Chief Risk Officer for the Group, the Chief Technology Officer S&T Capability will support the identification and mitigation of Group enterprise risks.

The ideal candidate will make a critical contribution to the development of government programs and policy through the provision of expert scientific advice, engage with Defence clients and work collaboratively with the Chiefs of Division in DSTG. Able to influence, negotiate and engender enthusiasm in others, the appointee will have astute judgement, political awareness and an inclusive leadership style, taking a proactive approach to professional and organisational development. Outstanding interpersonal and representational skills will be key to building strong, productive partnerships.

Chief Technology Officer – Innovation & Strategic Research

Position location: Adelaide, Canberra or Melbourne

The Chief Technology Officer – Innovation & Strategic Research will report to the Chief of Science Engagement and Impact Division and is responsible for leading DSTG’s contribution to the Defence’s Capability Innovation programs. This includes ensuring effective leadership and governance of the Next Generation Technologies program. The Chief Technology Officer – Innovation & Strategic Research is also responsible for leading and delivering an integrated strategic research program which encompasses the identification and development of research programs for strategic research disciplines, the development of strategic research challenges, and progression of the STaR Shot program through to defence capability.

The ideal candidate is expected to make a critical contribution to the development of government programs and policy through the provision of expert scientific advice and engage with Defence clients and work collaboratively with the Chiefs of Division in DSTG. Able to influence, negotiate and engender enthusiasm in others, the appointee will have astute judgement, political awareness and an inclusive leadership style, taking a proactive approach to professional and organisational development. Outstanding interpersonal and representational skills will be key to building strong relationships with Defence clients and national and international science partners.

A PhD in a relevant discipline is desirable; otherwise, demonstrated equivalent knowledge and experience in a science, technology and/or research environment will be essential.

The remuneration package includes superannuation, executive vehicle allowance and, where applicable, relocation expenses. The salary component for these positions may be negotiated with the successful candidates within the Chief of Division Grade 1 range.

To be successful in joining the Senior Leadership Group you will exemplify the One Defence Leadership behaviours and engender a culture of achievement, collaboration and agility. You will be self-aware, positive in considering and respecting a diversity of ideas and perspectives of others.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the role, you must be:

• an Australian citizen or intending to become one, and
• assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a Top Secret Positive Vetting security clearance.

If after reading the selection documentation you have any questions, please contact Andrew Norton, Managing Partner at Fisher Leadership on +61 1300 347 437, or info@fisherleadership.com and quote reference DSTcto0621 to arrange a further discussion.

Applicant information packs, including selection criteria and application instructions, can be obtained by visiting https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/cp/?audiencetypecode=defenceext. Applications close at 11:30pm (AEST) Sunday, 25 July 2021.

For Senior Executive Service administrative recruitment enquiries please contact the Directorate of Senior Officer Management at DSOM@defence.gov.au.