Assistant Directors – Client Engagement and Research Support

The Opportunity

Lead high-performing teams that support the Parliament of Australia through the delivery of professional client services, information support, research coordination and parliamentary engagement activities.

Work in one of Australia's most unique and dynamic environments, supporting Senators, Members and their staff to access the Parliamentary Library's expertise, collections, research and information services.

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for two Assistant Director (PEL1) positions within the Parliamentary Library's Client Engagement and Research Support section:

1. Assistant Director, Client Services and Engagement

2. Assistant Director, Research Support and Coordination

We are seeking to fill two current vacancies and to establish a merit pool for ongoing and non ongoing opportunities that may arise over the next 18 months. Applicants may indicate a preference for either role, and will be considered for both positions.

These leadership roles provide an opportunity to contribute directly to the Library's support of Australia's parliamentary democracy. Working closely with the Director, you will lead capable teams delivering responsive, impartial and client-focused services in a fast-paced and often politically sensitive environment. The successful applicants will lead service delivery, develop workforce capability, drive continuous improvement and contribute to strategic and operational initiatives that support parliamentary clients and the broader work of the Parliamentary Library.

The work is varied and collaborative, with significant opportunities to contribute to client service excellence and organisational outcomes. You will engage regularly with parliamentary clients, senior stakeholders and colleagues across the Parliamentary Library and DPS to coordinate complex requests, resolve issues and deliver integrated services that meet the needs of parliamentary clients.

You will oversee workflows, maintain service quality standards, contribute to workforce planning and capability development, and help ensure clients receive timely, accurate and professional assistance.

About the teams

Client Services and Engagement supports Senators, Members and their staff by facilitating access to Parliamentary Library services, collections and expertise. The team coordinates client enquiries, information requests, outreach activities and training programs, helping clients make effective use of Library services. The team also manages front-of-house service delivery and plays a key role in maintaining strong relationships with parliamentary clients.

Research Support and Coordination provides information and tailored briefings directly to parliamentary clients and supports research teams across the Parliamentary Library. The team coordinates requests involving multiple stakeholders and facilitates collaboration across research areas to ensure integrated and responsive services for clients.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking experienced and collaborative leaders with a strong client service focus, sound judgement and the ability to build and support high-performing teams. You will be comfortable leading through change, driving continuous improvement and contributing to strategic and operational outcomes in a complex stakeholder environment.

You will have:

1. Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing teams and fostering a positive workplace Ability to manage complex workflows, competing priorities and service delivery outcomes in a fast-paced environment;

2. Strong communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, including the ability to influence and work collaboratively across organisational boundaries;

3. Sound judgement, resilience and the ability to make considered decisions in an often sensitive operating environment;

4. Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and the delivery of high-quality client services; and

5. Commitment to impartiality, professionalism and the values of the Department of Parliamentary Services.

You will be collaborative, adaptable and committed to delivering high-quality services that support the work of the Australian Parliament.

Job Specific Requirements:

1. Australian citizenship.

2. The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.

Desirable qualifications and requirements

1. Tertiary qualifications in a relevant field

2. Ability to work occasional late shifts (5 pm to 8 pm) during parliamentary sitting weeks

For the Assistant Director - Client Services and Engagement role:

1. Physical capacity to operate storage units and to manually handle collection material up to 6kg

2. Ability to travel occasionally to electorate offices for outreach activities

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.