Job Description
Job description
About AQSA
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) is Australia's national vocational education and training (VET) regulator. Each year more than 4 million students undertake vocational education and training, with thousands of providers operating across Australia. This is the primary way Australians upskill or reskill, with VET qualifications providing the knowledge and skills that students need, and employers and industries rely on.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) is a pivotal role that has overall responsibility for the design, implementation and improvement of ASQA's regulatory system, including through a major digital transformation program underway and ASQA's cost recovery model.
About the role
This is an exceptional SES Band 2 Executive Leadership opportunity to support the CEO and the organisation to drive whole of system regulatory performance and be part of an executive team aiming to achieve best practice governance, regulation and engagement for the VET sector.
The key duties of the Deputy CEO position include:
Reporting to ASQA's CEO to provide advice on regulatory policy, ASQA's legislative framework, strategic direction, future implications, and whole of regulatory system impacts. The DCEO will have key responsibility for:
working with the broader executive and organisational change management capability to implement strategies to address risks and continuously improve performance.
providing advice to the CEO on strategic resource allocations and work with Executive Directors to systematically improve management of administered revenue.
leading and overseeing ASQA's Digital Transformation Program, ensuring alignment with regulatory objectives to ensure the best results are achieved and focuses on achieving outcomes through effective relationships at Band 2 level with DEWR, Education and Finance and through effective interactions with stakeholders domestically and internationally.
leading in a complex and changing environment where there is a high level of integration with the broader context, including the agency's direction and role within government. This extends to understanding contemporary and emerging regulatory, cross-jurisdictional and international issues.
As a senior member of the Executive team, you will collaborate across the Authority to implement effective strategies, policies, and processes, fostering collaboration and information sharing to deliver the Authority's regulatory responsibilities.
Success in this role will be as a result of:
Your outstanding ability to lead and inspire multidisciplinary teams in complex environments, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and accountability.
Strong leadership and integrity together with demonstrated personal accountability, decisiveness and the ability to mentor and develop high-performing teams through periods of change.
Deep expertise in regulatory practice with proven ability to design and lead regulatory strategies and interventions, providing high-level advice to senior stakeholders.
Demonstrated exceptional ability to manage high-level and complex relationships both within and outside the organisation, including with government agencies, parliamentary bodies, and the public sector.
Your ability to collaborate effectively across government, balancing diverse stakeholder needs and resolving conflicting priorities while driving significant regulatory requirements and/or change.
A merit pool may be established to fill similar roles as they become available within an 18-month period.
Salary and benefits
The Senior Executive Band 2 level offers an attractive remuneration package, including 15.4% superannuation and salary packaging options.
Conditions that support your health, wellbeing and lifestyle.
Eligibility
To apply, you need to be an Australian citizen. You'll need or have the ability to acquire an Australian Government Negative Vetting 1 Level security clearance to the appropriate level for the position. This will be arranged for you, if you're successful.
Application Process
For a copy of the candidate information package and to apply, please contact:
Matthew Smee, Principal Consultant - Hudson Executive
E: governmentexecutive@hudson.com M: +6143+074251
Applications Close: 11.5+pm Wednesday 5th March 2026
You should include the following in your application:
A maximum 2-page cover letter/pitch outlining how your relevant experience aligns to the knowledge and skills and key responsibilities set out in the above role description.
A resume of no more than 6 pages outlining qualifications, experience, and expertise.
The names and contact details of two referees who have direct and relevant experience of your leadership career.
Like to know more? To submit your application, in strict confidence, please apply online using the appropriate link below. Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact Matthew Smee Principal Consultant at Hudson Executive on Ph 043+074251, quoting Ref No. 243083.
