Assistant Secretary, Parliamentary Engagement Branch

Job DetailsJob Title: Assistant Secretary, Parliamentary Engagement BranchEmployment Type: OngoingClassification: Senior Executive Service (SES) Band 1Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 2 April 2024Contact: James Koulouris, First Assistant Secretary, DPS.Recruitment@aph.gov.au, 6277 5200The OpportunityThe Department of Parliamentary Services is recruiting for a high performing branch head (Senior Executive Service Band 1, Assistant Secretary) to lead the Parliamentary Engagement Branch.The Department of Parliamentary Services comprises of over 1,000 staff that support the Parliament of Australia through innovative, unified and client-focused services. The Department delivers a broad range of services and experiences that enable the operating of a working parliament, enable engagement by the public with the parliamentary process and is a custodian for Australian Parliament House which is a significant and iconic visitor destination.The ideal candidate will have experience in leading the strategic and operational management of cultural or creative organisations. The candidate should have a track record in leading teams, drive a high-performance culture, engage and motivate staff, and ensure the team is set up for success as we implement cultural and strategic renewal. Key personal attributes for success are strong personal accountability, an ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships, being agile and adaptable, and ability to deal with ambiguity and change.The Assistant Secretary currently reports directly to the First Assistant Secretary, Corporate Services and is responsible for the development and delivery of a broad range of experiences and services for parliamentarians, building occupants, and visitors including tours, public programs and operation of the Parliament House Shop.As a Senior Executive at The Department of Parliamentary Services you will be required to:

• Provide leadership to your Branch while working collaboratively with the other business areas to deliver on the department's strategic priorities as outlined in The Department of Parliamentary Services Corporate Plan.
• Provide high quality strategic and technical advice to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, members of The Department of Parliamentary Services SES team and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the overall strategic, planning, operational capability and accountability of the Department of Parliamentary Services, and
• Develop an environment that ensures sound planning, a culture of innovation, effective risk management, continuous improvement and a strong service delivery focus.

Experience and QualificationsEssentialExceptional leadership, stakeholder and relationship management skills to develop high performing teams and achieve customer service excellence.Strong strategic judgement, political acuity and ability to manage ambiguity to resolve complex issues as they evolve.Demonstrated track record in leading the strategic and operational management of cultural or creative organisations.Track record in leading teams, drive a high-performance culture, engage and motivate staff, and ensure the team is set up for success as we implement cultural and strategic renewal.DesirableAn understanding of the institution of parliament and the role of parliamentary democracyThe successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance.Duty StatementClassification: Senior Executive Service Band 1
Branch: Parliamentary Engagement Branch
Immediate supervisor: First Assistant Secretary, Corporate ServicesThe Assistant Secretary, Parliamentary Engagement Branch will be responsible for:

• Leading the strategic and operational management of the Parliamentary Engagement Branch (PEB) which provides public facing services for visitors, provides public programs, and manages the Parliament House Shop.
• Leading and developing strategies to establish and maintain Parliament House and its public spaces as a key cultural destination for visitors.
• Advising and assisting the Secretary and the Executive, as a member of the leadership team on key strategic issues and change initiatives relating to the work of the Parliamentary Engagement Branch.
• Developing an environment that delivers innovation and enhanced Branch performance, including accurate and timely advice to DPS Executive and the Presiding Officers.
• Actively developing and maintaining strong working relationships across the department and with external cultural institutions as needed, including representing the Branch and/or the Department at various committees/project boards.
• Other duties as directed by the First Assistant Secretary, Corporate Services.

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.Selection Criteria1. Shapes Strategic Thinking:

• Inspires a sense of purpose and direction
• Focuses strategically
• Harnesses information and opportunities
• Shows judgment, intelligence and commonsense

2. Achieves results:

• Builds organisational capability and responsiveness
• Marshals professional expertise
• Steers and implements change and deals with uncertainty
• Ensures closure and delivers on intended results

3. Cultivates productive working relationships:

• Nurtures internal and external relationships
• Facilitates cooperation and partnerships
• Values individual differences and diversity
• Guides, mentors and develops people

4. Exemplifies personal drive and integrity:

• Demonstrates public service professionalism and probity
• Engages with risk and shows personal courage
• Commits to action
• Displays resilience, and
• Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to personal development

5. Communicates with influence:

• Communicates clearly
• Listens, understands and adapts to audience
• Negotiates persuasively

6. Technical capability:

• A good understanding of the role and operations of Parliament and Australian Parliament House

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 applyPlease upload a two-page statement of claims (approximately 1,000 words) outlining:

• Why you are interested in the role
• What you can offer The Department of Parliamentary Services in correlation to the job specific requirements outlined above
• Your relevant skills, career history and achievements, and
• Your leadership attributes and how they can support 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 . Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.Our purpose and valuesWe 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 offerJoin 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.

SalaryAn attractive salary, which could be negotiated with the successful candidate, is on offer.Conditions of EmploymentEmployment 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.