Job Description

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation.

Role highlights

• Provide strategic, operational and governance support to the Space & Astronomy Director and Executive team
• Be part of Australia’s national science agency and contribute to research with real-world impact
• Enjoy a collaborative, purpose-driven environment with opportunities to help shape strategic initiatives

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge. Visit CSIRO.au for more information.

The opportunity

CSIRO’s Space & Astronomy research enables humanity to better understand the Earth and Universe while contributing to future industries and national capability. Our teams conduct world-leading radio astronomy, operate major national research infrastructure, develop advanced technologies for astronomy and space, support Australia’s contribution to the international SKA project, and use Earth observation data to help address practical challenges.

As Executive Officer, you will provide strategic, operational and governance support to the Director and Space & Astronomy Executive, contributing to the effective leadership and operation of the research unit. Acting as a critical interface across executive leadership, operational teams, external stakeholders and CSIRO enterprise functions, you will help coordinate organisational priorities, support sound decision-making and drive the delivery of strategic initiatives.

About You

You are a naturally curious, proactive and highly effective communicator with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for outcomes. You actively seek to understand issues and opportunities, connect information from diverse sources, and build trusted relationships across a complex organisation. You are a clear and efficient writer, capable of producing high-quality briefings, reports and communications that help leaders make informed decisions. You anticipate emerging challenges, exercise sound judgement, and work collaboratively to ensure priorities progress from planning through to successful delivery.

Your high-level duties will include:

• Provide high-level advice and support to the Director and Space & Astronomy Executive on complex issues and stakeholder interactions.
• Prepare briefings, correspondence, presentations, reports and recommendations on strategic, scientific r sensitive matters.
• Coordinate strategic, scientific, operational and business planning, organisational reporting, reviews and information requests.
• Lead sensitive, strategic or complex research unit projects and initiatives.
• Coordinate governance, assurance, audit, compliance and risk activities.
• Support executive and advisory committees, leadership meetings, conferences and organisational events.
• Analyse performance information and coordinate communications that support organisational alignment, culture and continuous improvement.
• Build productive relationships across CSIRO and with government, research, industry and national research infrastructure stakeholders.

Role particulars:

• Location: Sydney (Marsfield), NSW. Predominantly onsite role
• Salary: AU$135,571 – AU$158,863 per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus up to 15.4% superannuation
• Tenure & work schedule: Specified term of 3 years, full-time preferred. We will explore part-time, job-share and flexible work arrangements based on the needs of the role and individual circumstances.
• Reference: 104062
• Eligibility: Applications are open to internal CSIRO employees, Australian and New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents.
• Appointment is subject to a pre-employment background check and may be subject to other security, medical or character clearance requirements. Please refer to the Position Description for details

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• A relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent management experience in an area relevant to the role.
• A confident and proactive approach, with the ability to work effectively in a dynamic executive environment and collaborate widely across internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to independently prepare strategic, executive and government communications, including reports, analyses, plans, briefings and correspondence.
• Highly developed analytical skills, with the ability to investigate complex and ill-defined issues, synthesise information from multiple sources and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.
• Excellent organisational skills, with demonstrated ability to independently manage competing priorities, coordinate complex activities and deliver high-quality outcomes within tight timeframes.
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes, build productive relationships and operate effectively in complex environments where authority is often indirect.
• Sound judgement, discretion and confidentiality, together with a history of professional and respectful behaviour in collaborative environments and the ability to adapt in ambiguous, urgent and changing circumstances.

For full details about this role, and all criteria, please review the Position Description. Please note: Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that individuals may have different needs, and we’re happy to discuss what adjustments to our process may help you feel safe, respected and able to participate fully. Please contact careersonline@csiro.au and let us know how we can support you.

Life, benefits and flexible work arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. We can discuss flexible work arrangements with you during the recruitment process. CSIRO also offers a range of leave entitlements, benefits and career development opportunities. To find out more, visit Careers at CSIRO.

Inclusion and belonging

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Platinum Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy.

How to apply

Please apply online and submit a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and CV that demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the essential requirements of this role.

Applications close

Sunday 15 November 2026, 11:00pm AEDT