Australian Public Service Commission | Deputy Director – Cyber, Technology

Deputy Director – Cyber, Technology & Security Program Barton ACT
ASPI Deputy Director – Cyber, Technology & Security Program
ASPI is looking for an exceptional and experienced leader to advance our Cyber, Technology & Security (CTS) Program, focusing on critical issues at the intersection of cyber policy, emerging technologies, and national security.
This role will work closely with the CTS leadership team and reports directly to the CTS Director.
Join one of the world's top-performing and most influential national security think tanks.
Contribute to a dynamic program tackling some of the most pressing cyber and technology challenges of our time.
Be part of a progressive organisation with a supportive and collaborative culture.
About ASPI
ASPI is an independent, non-partisan think tank that produces expert and timely advice for strategic, defence and policy leaders and decision makers.
ASPI is one of the most authoritative and widely quoted contributors to public discussion of strategic policy issues in the Indo-Pacific region and a recognised Australian voice in international discussion on defence, strategic, national security, cyber, critical technology, climate and foreign interference issues.

About the Role
ASPI is seeking a talented leader for the Deputy Director of Cyber, Technology & Security (CTS) Operations.
This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to one of the Indo-Pacific's leading think tanks, focused on advancing policy and research at the intersection of cyber, technology, and national security.

The CTS Program is ASPI's largest program, and includes ASPI's China Investigations and Analysis team.
CTS spans cyber and critical infrastructure security, critical and emerging technologies, national resilience and social cohesion, and hybrid threats.
This includes disinformation, economic coercion and other 'grey zone' threats.
In an era where the urgent tends to consume the important, and short-term consumes the long-term, CTS is globally recognised for independent, expert and evidence-based research that:
identifies emerging issues beyond the horizon—particularly those at the intersection of technology and security.
builds resilience through new adaptive responses and policies—leveraging partnerships across societies and international like-minded counterparts.
fosters innovation by illuminating risks to intellectual property and critical and emerging technology—supporting strengthened due diligence.
Reporting to the Director, this position will play a hands-on role—working across the CTS program, and ASPI more broadly—in securing grant funding, driving project execution, ensuring high standards in report production, and supporting associated strategic partnerships.
This position would benefit from a track record in grant and partnership management, and experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
Experience with the integration of AI into business processes is preferred.

The Deputy Director will play a key role in driving the evolution of the CTS program, ensuring the delivery of high-quality research and engaging with external partners to extend the program's influence.
The role will involve overseeing research development, managing grant-funded projects, and contributing to strategic direction and funding strategies.

This role suits a leader passionate about cyber, technology, and security issues, who thrives in managing small teams, building relationships, and delivering impactful research and events.
We are looking for a leader who is collaborative, energetic, and skilled in stakeholder management and strategic project delivery.

The key duties of the position include: Duty Statement
The Deputy Director will:
Collaborate with the Director and research teams to identify and prioritize funding opportunities that align with CTS' mission in cyber, technology, and security.
Lead the drafting and submission of targeted, high-calibre grant proposals, managing timelines and coordinating input from cross-functional teams.
Develop compelling narratives, oversee budgeting, and ensure proposals meet the technical and compliance requirements of funding bodies.
Build relationships with government, foundation, and private-sector funders, especially those focused on cyber and technology.
Editorial Oversight and Quality Control
Oversee the development, editing and production of project-related reports, white papers, and policy briefs, ensuring technical accuracy, clarity, and quality.
Work with research teams to distill complex topics in cybersecurity and technology policy into accessible content tailored to target audiences.
Coordinate with communications and design teams to ensure that publications meet brand and quality standards, and oversee their dissemination.
Partnership Management
Support the Director in cultivating and managing relationships with key partners in technology, academia, government, and industry.
Identify and pursue opportunities to expand partnerships that enhance the think tank's impact and align with its strategic priorities.
Collaborate on joint initiatives with partners, ensuring that objectives, timelines, and resources are well-coordinated.
Represent the think tank in external meetings and events, strengthening its network and influence within the cyber and technology communities.
Strategic Development and Leadership
Assist the Director in developing and refining strategies for grant acquisition, project execution, and partnership development to advance ASPI's mission.
Develop and refine business tools, including incorporating AI into business processes and adapting associated policies.
Contribute to the strategic planning process, helping to identify research priorities and resource needs in cyber, technology, and security.
Provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff and interns involved in grant writing, project management, and partnership coordination.
Minimum Requirements:
Experience in grant writing, project management, partnership development, and editorial oversight in think tanks, government, academia, or technology sectors.
Expertise in cybersecurity and emerging technologies, with an understanding of the funding landscape, including federal grants, corporate sponsorships, and private foundations.
Strong conceptual and strategic thinking abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to align projects with global and regional priorities.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects and partnerships in the technology or national security space.
Strong writing and editing skills, capable of translating technical material into engaging and clear content.
Familiarity with AI tools and processes to enhance organisational capabilities.
Experience in financial management.
Proven interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary environment.
Strong domestic and international networks across government, industry, and academia.
Integrity and a commitment to maintaining ASPI's non-partisan and independent ethos.
Notes Desired criteria :
Prior and relevant think-tank or government experience in relevant fields.
Proficient in project management tools and experienced in budgeting and financial reporting for grants.
Experience with media interviews and other public speaking engagements.
Comfort working in a dynamic and fluid budgetary environment.
Remuneration will be competitive and commensurate with experience.

ASPI has headquarters in Canberra, Australia and an office in Washington DC, USA.
This role is Canberra-based.

How to Apply
Please refer to the position description.
All applications should be submitted to including the following documents: Cover letter (addressing the selection criteria on the Position Description) Resume/CV including two current referee contact details.
ASPI promotes a workplace that actively seeks to include, welcome and values unique contributions of all people.
The Institute strongly encourages women and people from diverse cultural backgrounds including applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds to apply.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 17 January 2025 – an early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if suitable applications are received.

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