Associate Director, Counter Foreign Interference & Security

Job Description

• Lead UWA’s enterprise‑wide response to foreign interference, research security and national security regulation, advising the University Executive on high‑risk, high‑impact matters.
• Act as UWA’s authoritative voice with government, defence and sector partners, shaping policy and practice at a Go8 level.
• Full-time (1.0 FTE) appointment on an ongoing basis.
• Competitive salary.

About the area

This role is the University’s principal specialist role for foreign interference risk, research security, sanctions, export controls, and the University’s participation in the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).

The role operates at a strategic and operational level, providing expert advice to the University Executive (UE) and senior leaders, leading institutional engagement with government in these areas, and ensuring that complex regulatory requirements are translated into practical, workable processes and training for staff and students. This position requires sound judgement, discretion, and the ability to work confidently with senior executives, government‑linked bodies, academic staff and peer institutions.

About the opportunity

• Partner directly with senior university leadership to influence strategic decisions in a rapidly evolving national security and research landscape.
• Build and embed practical frameworks, policies and training that protect UWA’s research, people and global collaborations.
• Represent UWA across government, defence and peak‑body forums, strengthening institutional credibility and influence.

About you

• Relevant tertiary qualification in related field or proven expertise in the management of significant human and material resources.
• Understanding of the higher education and research environment.
• Experience in foreign interference, research security, sanctions, export controls, DISP, or national security‑related policy.
• Extensive experience providing high‑level policy or advisory support in a complex organisation, preferably in higher education, government, defence or a regulated environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, confident advice to senior decision‑makers.