Job Description
$95,310 to $102,830 pa (Hew 6)
Fixed Term Contract to February 2027, located at Joondalup Campus
Open to Australian Citizens with the ability to obtain an Australian Government Security Clearance.
Defence Engagement
Joondalup campus
$95,310 to $102,830 pa (Hew 6)
Fixed Term Contract to February 2027
Edith Cowan University
Are you ready to belong to a dynamic community where courage, creativity, and optimism are essential elements of our DNA? At ECU we’re inspired by the incredible achievements of Edith Cowan, the first woman elected to an Australian parliament and a lifelong champion of education. Empowered by her legacy, we’re united in our vision to lead the sector in educational experience and expand our impact through world-class research.
Embrace an opportunity to become part of something extraordinary.
The Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) is responsible for the development and maintenance of research, collaboration and innovation across the University and with strategic external partners. It has direct oversight of the implementation and monitoring of university-wide strategic research initiatives.
About the Opportunity
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is seeking a highly capable and proactive Executive Officer and Program Co-Ordinator to provide high-level professional and confidential support to the Director of Defence Engagement. This is an exciting opportunity to support nationally significant partnerships with government and industry while helping shape a strong positive culture.
This role blends executive support excellence with superior administrative coordination. You will thrive working in a high-trust environment where precision, discretion, high level attention to detail, and strong relationship skills are essential.
Reporting to the Director of Defence Engagement, you will:
Provide high-level executive and program administrative support, including diary management, travel coordination, meeting preparation and coordination of engagement activities. Act as a trusted point of contact between the Director, internal teams, government stakeholders and industry partners. Coordinate ECU’s Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) administration and compliance. Navigate ECU systems to ensure accurate reporting, documentation and governance. Represent the office at internal meetings and attend selected industry events.
This role offers access to flexible work arrangements for the duration of the initial fixed-term appointment to February 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to business requirements.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will have:
A tertiary degree, or equivalent level of work experience in a similar role, preferably providing high level support at a senior leadership level, including diary management, confidential support, coordination and stakeholder liaison in a complex or senior leadership environment. Australian Citizenship and the ability to obtain an Australian Government Security Clearance. Highly developed organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with government, industry and internal stakeholders.
Benefits of working at ECU
At ECU we’re committed to fostering a positive employment experience and believe this is fundamental to the success and satisfaction of our employees. Growth and development matter here, because we recognise people are at the centre of everything we do. Our thriving work culture is guided by the ECU values and complemented by a range of employee benefits; visit our website to read about flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, our commitment to Wellbeing, exclusive corporate discounts and industry-leading superannuation.
Contact
Please contact Michele Clement, Director Defence Engagement on 0418 857 824 or m.clement@ecu.edu.au if you need further information.
Application Process
Please upload an up-to-date resume summarising your experience and achievements, along with a covering letter of no more than 2 pages outlining your suitability for the role.
Advert Closure
Applications close Sunday 8 February 2026 at 11:30pm AWST.
Shortlisted candidates should be available for an in-person interview at ECU Joondalup Campus, on Monday 16 February 2026.
ECU reserves the right to close the advertisement before the stated closing date and encourage applicants to submit their applications early.
PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED FROM CANDIDATES WHO HAVE THE RELEVANT WORKING RIGHTS TO FILL THIS POSITION.
Position description
