• ASPI is looking for an exceptional and experienced senior leader to lead our Professional Development programs which develop the strategic thinking skills of Australia’s defence, intelligence and national security professionals.
• This role is a senior executive-level position, working closely with the rest of the leadership group and reporting directly to the Executive Director.
• Join one of the world’s top performing and most influential national security think tanks
• Join a progressive and supportive organisation with an engaging and vibrant organisational 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’s role is to generate new ideas for government and foster better-informed decisions on strategic policy matters. The role of ASPI’s Professional Development Centre is to enhance strategic policy capability by exploring current and emerging policy challenges and building effective policy making and strategic analytical skills.

Our PD 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. Our 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 presenters, facilitators and mentors are subject matter experts in their fields and bring lived experience to the programs. They include a mix of ASPI staff and Fellows and an extended network of current and former senior government officials, leading industry experts, and leading academics from across Australia and internationally.

Selection Criteria

Essential Criteria:

• Significant experience in military, Defence or national security policy roles
• The ability to maintain and grow an effective network of relationships across the national security community
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to develop and maintain new partnerships
• Agile leadership skills including:
  • Extensive experience in managing teams
  • The ability to guide staff, fellows and contract staff to achieve outcomes in a high tempo environment
• The ability to harness teams to generate new ideas, develop cutting-edge programs and deliver outstanding results
• The ability to guide and direct new proposals and respond to requests for tender
• High levels of integrity with a commitment to ASPI’s independence
• Australian citizen able to maintain a security clearance

Desired:

• Experience in training or professional development roles
• Experience in financial management
• Current security clearance

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

1. Please refer to the position description.
2. All applications should be submitted to jobs@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 30 April 2025 – an early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if suitable applications are received.