Job Description
Barbara Vosoba, [email protected], 02 6136 6626
Closing Date:
11.59pm AEST, Wednesday 22 April 2026
We actively seek to reflect the diversity of the Australian community in our workforce. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and/or who are neurodivergent, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, including people of all genders and gender identities. We uphold gender equality as a core organisational value. If you’re interested in the role but feel uncertain, we still encourage you to apply if you feel your passions, transferable skills and valuable experience align with this position.
The opportunity we have available
The Classification Branch administers the Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995 under the National Classification Scheme. The National Classification Scheme provides an inter-governmental framework for the regulation of classifiable content including film, computer games and certain publications.
The Operational Policy Section of the Classification Branch is responsible for the implementation of classification policy with a focus on service delivery and support to a range of stakeholders including industry and the Classification Board. A particular focus of the team is the administration of industry self-classification options available under classification legislation, including training and guidance, monitoring and reporting on compliance and the continuous improvement of processes and potential areas for reform.
What will you do?
As a member of a small team based in Sydney, you will contribute to the implementation of classification policy with a focus on service delivery. The role is varied and dynamic, and duties include:
Provide expert advice for a range of audiences such as senior executive and industry on very complex issues with an in-depth understanding of the regulatory framework and broader environment.
Manage relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including industry partners and the Classification Board, to identify opportunities and achieve objectives.
Manage complex issues and make decisions related to policy, project or operational matters with a focus on analysis, professional judgement, risk evaluation, and collaboration with relevant work areas.
Manage and coach a small team, foster continuous improvement of systems and processes, implement change and contribute to the strategic direction for the work area.
The successful candidate applicant is required to routinely view harmful content as an inherent requirement of the role. This may include any of the following, reading descriptions of painful and traumatic events experienced by others, abusive or offensive language, graphic violence etc. The department acknowledges this type of work is not suited for everyone. If you believe you would find this type of information distressing or triggering, please reflect on whether this is the right role for you.
Who are we looking for?
The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the Executive Level 1 Work level standards.
Specifically, you are proactive and agile and will have the ability to:
Deliver quality outcomes for yourself and your team, with the ability to work under broad direction and undertake work that is very complex or sensitive.
Provide expert advice with the ability to communicate effectively both written and verbal, delivering information in a variety of formats for a range of internal and external audiences.
Develop and manage a range of stakeholder relationships, to identify opportunities and achieve outcomes.
Have an extensive understanding of relevant legislation and policy frameworks, and make decisions based on professional judgement, evaluating risks and in the context of a complex or changing environment.
Have a growth mindset with a willingness to continue to learn, foster an environment to build capability within the team, coach others and provide performance feedback.
Experience working within a regulatory framework or in environments involving legal, content or community standards will be well regarded.
Cultural capability requirement
The department believes every role contributes to cultural safety and that building staff cultural capability helps us deliver better policies, programs and services for First Nations people and the broader Australian community. Candidates will be required to demonstrate their willingness to develop their cultural capability as part of the assessment process. In making it a requirement across all roles in our department, we are taking a practical step in delivering our commitments under the Our Stories on Country Agreement and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy 2025–28.
As an EL1 you will be expected to:
Lead the integration of cultural considerations into work area outcomes.
Build trusted relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander stakeholders.
Champion cultural capability within teams and challenges culturally unsafe practices.
RecruitAbility minimum requirements
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is committed to supporting the employment and career development of people with disability. Our participation in APS RecruitAbility means we will progress an applicant with disability to a further stage in the recruitment process, where they opt into RecruitAbility and meet the minimum requirements for the vacancy.
You will be asked to indicate if you wish to opt into RecruitAbility in the application form. You must tick the 'opt in' box to participate in RecruitAbility. Simply declaring that you have a disability will not automatically include you.
We provide reasonable adjustments such as access, equipment or other practical support at relevant stages of
the recruitment process. Please advise in the application form or the contact officer if you need any adjustments made.
The minimum requirements for this role include:
Ability to manage a team, working under broad direction, coach others and provide performance feedback.
Ability to undertake very complex work and provide expert advice both in writing and verbally.
Ability to communicate effectively to a range of external and internal audiences and in a variety of formats.
Ability to gain an extensive understanding of relevant legislation and policy frameworks and make decisions which evaluate risks and the broader environment.
More information can be found at RecruitAbility scheme: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.
What else can we offer?
We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development, empowering individuals to set goals, acquire new skills, and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. We believe that this not only leads to a more fulfilling and happier life but also enhances the overall quality of our work. Some of the benefits we offer include:
Access to our study Assistance Program that provides paid leave and financial support for you to undertake courses of study that contribute to the improvements of your professional skills and knowledge relevant to our work and broader Australian Public Service.
Through our investment in learning and development opportunities, and a positive performance culture, we provide diverse career pathways for our people to enable their mobility and adapt in a rapidly changing world.
Improve your leadership skills, through the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme and tailored leadership opportunities for staff members.
Flexible working opportunities, including part time hours, home based work and job sharing.
We offer generous leave entitlements of 20 days personal circumstances leave per year, with one month’s accrual of leave credited on commencement and 150 hours of paid annual leave (based on a full-time employee), plus a range of other miscellaneous leave options to support you.
Join our department and embark on a journey of growth, fulfillment, and well-being. Experience personal and professional development, prioritise your health, and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance.
Eligibility requirements
Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:
Citizenship: candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
Police check: The successful candidate must satisfactory complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
Integrity and Performance check: The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check which is completed by your most recent employer.
Timeline and assessment
A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.
If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.
Applications open: 1 April 2026
Applications close: 22 April 2026
Application shortlisting: 5 May 2026
Further assessments: 11 May 2026
Selection report finalised: Week starting 18 May 2026
Offers and announcements: Week starting 25 May 2026
The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.
Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job and the Work level standards. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include work sample testing, interviews, and reference checks.
How to apply
Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEST Wednesday 22 April 2026.
In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide in a PDF document a statement of no more than 2 pages outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role.
You should also provide a tailored CV in PDF, no more than 3 pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.
Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.
If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6136 8989 or via email at [email protected] to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.
Please advise the contact officer if you require adjustments during the recruitment process. We recognise and value diversity as our strength and promote a culture of inclusion to enhance our work performance and the wellbeing of our employees. We are committed to systems that are accessible, inclusive and safe for all. If you need any further information about accessibility and inclusion at our department, please contact [email protected].
Work with us. Apply now!
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The EL1 - Assistant Director, Classification position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Sydney offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
