The Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) has an opening for an Assistant Director-General Operations in Canberra, ACT. The job is full-time and ongoing, with a Senior Executive Service Band 1 classification. This role is for a senior intelligence professional with experience in leading teams and managing intelligence operations. The person hired will lead the Operational Branch, work with senior leaders, manage resources, and support government priorities. The closing date listed for the job is October 26, 2026.
Assistant Director-General Operations Jobs 2026 Details
The main job details are below:
- Job title: Assistant Director-General Operations
- Agency: Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS)
- Location: Canberra, ACT
- Job type: Full-time
- Employment status: Ongoing
- Classification: Senior Executive Service Band 1
- Category: Intelligence, Security
- Office arrangement: On site
- Vacancy number: VN-0773461
- Closing date: October 26, 2026
The advertisement does not list a salary amount. For this reason, no salary figure is included in the job details.
What Will the Assistant Director-General Operations Do?
The person in this job will lead the Operational Branch and oversee a range of intelligence activities. The work includes planning operations, managing risks, and making sure activities follow ASIS rules, policies, and relevant laws. The role also involves giving direction to Branch staff. The work of the Branch needs to support Australia’s national interests and government priorities. The successful applicant will also join the ASIS Senior Leadership Team. Part of the job involves taking part in senior decisions and helping turn the organisation’s plans into practical work. Working with people outside ASIS is also part of the position. The person will build relationships with customers and stakeholders in Australia and overseas. The job also involves dealing with different cultural and social settings. The person may represent ASIS at inter-agency and international meetings involving intelligence, policy, and operational matters.
Managing Staff and Resources
The Assistant Director-General Operations will manage Branch resources. These include staff, finances, technology, and other assets. The person will also support staff engagement, new ideas, and professional standards within the Branch. Money and other resources need to be managed within approved budgets and plans. Supporting ASIS values is also part of the job.
Experience ASIS Is Looking For
ASIS is looking for someone with strong senior leadership experience in intelligence work. The vacancy asks for demonstrated performance at SES Band 1 level under the APSC Integrated Leadership System, Work Level Standard, and Secretaries’ Charter of Leadership Behaviours. Experience in strategic leadership is required, especially in an intelligence setting. Applicants also need experience planning, conducting, and managing intelligence operations. The vacancy specifically asks for experience as an Executive Level 2 officer and experience working overseas. People leadership is also important for the role. Applicants need experience with change management, coaching, and mentoring. The job also requires experience delivering organisational and government outcomes through complex work programs. Strategic relationship building and corporate and operational risk management experience are listed as requirements.
Assistant Director-General Operations Jobs 2026 Requirements
Applicants need experience in the planning, conduct, and management of intelligence operations. This needs to include experience as an Executive Level 2 officer and overseas experience. Experience with foreign intelligence operations is highly desirable. ASIS also wants someone with considerable leadership experience in delivering intelligence outcomes. A good understanding of national security issues is required. Recent professional development is also listed in the vacancy requirements.
Eligibility for the ASIS Position
Applicants must be Australian citizens. They also need to be assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance. The advertisement refers to the Protective Security Policy Framework, Release 2026, section 18.5, for further information about security clearance eligibility and suitability. The job is based in Canberra. Employment conditions are similar to Australian Public Service conditions and include superannuation.
How to Apply for Assistant Director-General Operations Jobs 2026
Applicants interested in the position need to visit the ASIS website for the full job information and selection criteria. The vacancy lists October 26, 2026 as the closing date. Reading the selection criteria before applying is important because the role has specific senior leadership and intelligence experience requirements. The PDF does not list a contact officer or phone number.
Other Information About the Job
ASIS supports a diverse and inclusive workplace. Applicants who need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process are asked to tell ASIS so suitable arrangements can be made. Reasonable adjustments are also available for successful applicants while working in the position. The advertisement says ASIS does not provide feedback to applicants. The PDF does not list an age limit, physical test, medical test, application fee, or specific daily working hours. No such details have been added to this article.
About the Australian Secret Intelligence Service
The Australian Secret Intelligence Service is Australia’s overseas secret intelligence collection agency. ASIS works to protect and promote Australia’s vital interests through intelligence services directed by the Australian Government. The agency deals with intelligence related to national security, international relations, and economic issues. ASIS also contributes to Australia’s work against terrorism, the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and trans-national issues such as people smuggling.
Assistant Director-General Operations Jobs 2026 Closing Date
The Assistant Director-General Operations position is a senior ASIS role based in Canberra. The job involves intelligence operations, Branch leadership, staff management, resources, risk management, and senior relationships. The position is full-time and ongoing. Australian citizenship is required, along with suitability to hold and maintain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance. The closing date listed in the vacancy is October 26, 2026. Applicants should check the ASIS website for the full job details and selection criteria before applying.
