Senior Executive Assistant to Deputy Secretary

The Senior Executive Assistant is responsible for providing high-level executive and administrative support for the Deputy Secretary, Water and Catchments. The Deputy Secretary leads the Water and Catchments Group which provides departmental support to the Minister for Water.

You will provide support to the Deputy Secretary to ensure that office runs smoothly and effectively, including managing complex email and calendar requirements and coordinating workflows, standards and timelines. Working as part of the Office of the Deputy Secretary team, you will undertake a range of discrete, and often confidential, tasks and projects and coordinate processes and demonstrate proficient use of the department’s document management systems.

You will act as a key point of contact with internal and external stakeholders and will have proven experience dealing with senior executives and stakeholders.

You will have excellent relationship management skills, forming and maintaining positive working relationships across the Water and Catchments Group, broader DEECA and with a range of senior external stakeholders across the water and catchments sector, Government and industry.

You will be required to show initiative, work well in a team and adapt to change to anticipate, prioritise and work proactively to ensure the Deputy Secretary is supported to focus on priorities.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A strong knowledge of the policy and organisational context in which the Water and Catchments Group operates.
• Significant experience in providing executive support at senior organisational levels.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne

 with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 01 October 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process. 

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.