Professional Development Program Coordinator

ASPI PD Program Coordinator

Organisation: Australian Strategic Policy Institute

Location: Canberra

Division: Professional Development

Reports to: Deputy Director, Professional Development

Employment basis:

Full time, fixed-term contract (24 months) 

Remuneration:

Band: $75,000 to $85,000 plus 12% super

Remuneration will be aligned with the candidates’ skills and expertise

Number of Vacancies: One position to be filled asap and another position is likely to be required in the following 3-6 months – as such a merit list will be established.

Last updated: January 2024

About ASPI Professional Development

ASPI is an independent, non-partisan think tank that produces expert and timely advice for Australian and global leaders. ASPI generates new ideas for policy makers, allowing them to make better-informed decisions. 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 and authoritative Australian voice in international discussion on strategic, national security, cyber, technology and foreign interference issues. 

The role of ASPI Professional Development is to enhance strategic policy capability by exploring current and emerging policy challenges and building effective policy making and strategic analytical skills.  

ASPI Professional Development programs are designed to address emerging trends, equipping our participants with the knowledge and skills needed to remain ahead of the curve in an ever-changing professional landscape. The programs foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages collaboration, critical thinking, active participation, networking, and knowledge sharing among participants, presenters, and industry experts.  

Our ASPI presenters are subject matter experts in their fields and bring lived experience to the programs. We also have the unique capability of calling upon a significant network of current and former senior government and officials, leading industry experts, and leading academics from across Australia and internationally.  

Our strategic policy and leadership programs (ranging from discrete one-day to 10-days in duration) are delivered with our partners in the Defence, National Security and National Intelligence Communities in a face-to-face environment. 

Our Professional Development facilities are contemporary and can accommodate small to very large groups in the Auditorium and Seminar Room, that are complemented by four syndicate rooms, all with audio and video-conferencing facilities - unparalleled in Canberra.  

The Opportunity

Our Program Coordinators are fundamental to the success of our Professional Development Programs. As a key team member, you will be tasked with nurturing collaborative relationships across Defence, National Security, the National Intelligence Community, and the broader ASPI community. Success demands adept communication and interpersonal skills, a focus on client service, exceptional organisational abilities coupled with keen attention to detail, and the capability to think on your feet, problem-solve, and meet deadlines effectively.

We currently have one position to be filled as soon as possible and will be looking to fill another position in the next three to six months via a merit list established from this recruitment application.  

Duty Statement

Under the direction of the Director and Deputy Director, the Program Coordinator will support the coordination and delivery of ASPI’s Professional Development Programs and events by:   

• Coordinating with internal and external program presenters from across government, industry, and academia.  
• Coordinating presenter’s travel and accommodation.   
• Coordinating program participant enrolments.   
• Maintaining program administrative and financial records including reconciliation of program expenditure.  
• Maintaining and ordering program supplies and merchandise.  
• Coordinating external catering and bookings for external after-hours events.   
• Maintaining ASPI’s training facilities during program delivery with including daily set up and pack down of training facilities during program delivery.  
• Conducting research and developing new and updated materials as needed.   
• Participating in occasional work outside of core hours for the setup of programs and or evening events.    

Expertise Sought 

• Australian Citizenship.   
• Relevant qualifications or a strong interest in international relations/affairs, national security, policy, and/or other similar fields. 
• Demonstrated relevant experience in a similar role (i.e. course administration, event management, or project management). 
• Excellent communication and presentation skills including the ability to liaise with a diverse range of stakeholders. 
• Exceptional organisational skills, ability to prioritise own workload to meet competing and often changing deadlines.  
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to first-rate customer service.  
• Highly proficient in MS Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.   

How to Apply

1. Please refer to the position description attached.
2. All applications should be submitted to ****@aspi.org.au 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 16 February 2024– an early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if suitable applications are received.