Director, (Executive Level 2) Diplomatic Security Division
We are looking for accomplished leaders who can provide strategic direction, deliver results through others, and lead high-performing teams in complex and dynamic operating environments.
- Type: full time
- Location: canberra
- Applications By: 1st November 2026
- Ongoing/Non-ongoing, Fulltime/Part-time
- $153,852 - $173,760 per annum + 15.4% employer super contribution
- Canberra based roles
Applications close at 11:30pm AEDT Sunday 01 November 2026
The Opportunities
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is seeking experienced and motivated leaders to fill a number of Director vacancies within the Diplomatic Security Division (DSD). These Canberra-based roles offer an opportunity to lead critical operational security and security infrastructure functions.
DSD is responsible for protecting the department’s people, information and resources from security threats in Australia and overseas. The Division delivers protective security outcomes through operational, physical, technical and personnel security functions, supported by governance, risk management, threat analysis, infrastructure, policy and business services.
Directors within DSD provide strategic leadership across complex programs, operational functions, and specialist security capabilities. They are responsible for delivering outcomes of strategic, operational and organisational significance, leading multidisciplinary teams, and providing trusted advice to senior decision-makers.
The current vacancies lead the delivery of operational security advice, security infrastructure and capability programs risk management, assurance and specialist security services that support DFAT's domestic operations and global network. Directors are expected to manage competing priorities, respond to emerging security challenges and deliver practical, risk-based security outcomes in support of departmental priorities.
Director roles across DSD may also lead specialist functions spanning technical and physical security, personnel security, security risk and governance, investigations and assessments, threat analysis, policy development, and business services. Across these portfolios, Directors are expected to provide strategic direction, manage sensitive and complex issues, build capability, and deliver practical security outcomes that protect DFAT’s people, information, assets and operations.
Future opportunities may include leadership of operational and technical security functions, risk and governance activities, investigations and assessments, and security policy development.
These roles provide an opportunity to shape strategic direction, lead high-performing teams, influence organisational outcomes, and deliver security services that enable DFAT's domestic and international operations.
The vacancies to be filled from this process are based in Canberra.
How to Apply
Submit your application via the department’s website at DFAT Careers before the closing date.
Your application should include:
• your personal details;
• a pitch of no more than 500 words;
• details of your most recent employment history (no resume required); and
• contact details of two professional referees, including your current supervisor.
Your application will be assessed on merit, with a focus on your ability or potential to meet the role’s requirements. Use your pitch to explain why you are the right fit, and your employment history to provide evidence of your skills and accomplishments.
If shortlisted, you will be notified by email. The department will then request reports from your nominated referees. It is your responsibility to ensure that your referees are informed in advance and prepared to respond promptly.