About us

DHA was established in 1988 following passage of the Defence Housing Australia Act 1987 (DHA Act) to provide adequate and suitable housing for, and housing related services to, members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families. We remain committed to our purpose of providing housing, and housing related services, to ADF members and their families to support Defence’s operational needs.

DHA manages an expanding portfolio of housing solutions and provides housing for over 17,200 ADF members and their families and administers rent allowance for more than 16,000 ADF members and their families in private rental accommodation. DHA provides housing related services advising on eligibility, providing posting support, and managing bookings and allocation services for all DHA provisioned housing and on-base accommodation to approximately 60,000 ADF members.

To find out more about DHA, please refer to DHA.gov.au or read our latest Annual Report.

About your team

Strategy and Engagement is an innovative, diverse and multi-skilled team that are focused on building capability across DHA in support of our strategic objectives. The teams within Strategy and Engagement are; Business Planning, Shareholder Relations, Defence Relations, Portfolio Planning, Valuations, Research Services and the Enterprise Program Management Office.

The Defence Relations Team manage key stakeholder relationships with the Department of Defence. This includes the contract manager function within the Defence Services Agreement (DSA). Also included within this team are responsibilities for performance reporting, information sharing, project management and the operation of a number of governance forums.

About the role

The Assistant Director Defence Contract and Relations will provide support to the Director, Portfolio Management and Defence Relations with the management of DHA’s Shareholder relationships including contractual negotiations and initiatives that are driven by the Services Agreement with the Department of Defence.

You will be responsible for managing strategic contractual and policy related issues providing high level advice and recommendations to stakeholders.

You will work collaboratively to build and foster strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and ensure effective reporting, communication and implementation of projects relating to contractual obligations are achieved.

Note: the primary locations for this position are Canberra or Brisbane. However, we will consider applications from suitably qualified candidates in other regions.

Benefits for working at DHA include:

• 15.4% superannuation
• Generous leave entitlements, including 18 days personal leave and 20 days annual leave per year
• Work-life balance and flexible working options
• A positive workplace culture where you can bring your whole self to work
• Opportunities to broaden your industry knowledge and experience
• Career progression and opportunities
• A dedicated Employee Assistance Program for you and your family to access in times of need
• ADF partner employment conditions when posting to a new location

For information on DHA’s Employee Value Proposition, visit our website.

How to apply

Apply now via our online careers site with your current resume and a 500-word one page pitch, addressing the requirements of the role. We recommend you read the Australian Public Service Commission’s Cracking the Code guidance on how to write your response. Additionally, you should consider the expected behaviours described in the Australian Public Service Commission’s Integrated Leadership System at this role’s level.

For further information on the position, please refer to the Candidate Information Pack through the online careers site.

Applications close: 11:55pm AEST Sunday 10 August 2025.

Any questions? Please contact Nicole Bush, Director Portfolio Management and Defence Relations T: 0481 460 532 E: [email protected]

Order of Merit

A merit pool will be established from this process which will be valid for 18 months from the date of advertising. This merit pool may be used throughout this period to fill similar positions in the event positions become vacant.

Inclusion and Diversity

DHA is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome applications from across our community including, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, ex-defence members, mature aged employees and carers.

RecruitAbility

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Eligibility

Employment with DHA is conditional on successful applicants demonstrating that they are an Australian citizen and can obtain and maintain a security clearance at the required level.