Associate Director, Counter Foreign Interference and Security

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

Gerard Daniels is assisting the University with this appointment.

To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Chris Tan at ctan@gerard-daniels.com or call on 0478 771 338.

Please apply online via the Apply Now button. The content of your Resume and Cover Letter should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria.

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Please note: Unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies will not be accepted outside of formal channels.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research intensive universities. With a strong research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top university.

Learn more about us.

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce and an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering a safe environment for all, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQA+ community, and people living with disability.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application. Alternatively, you can contact us for assistance during the recruitment process.

If you have queries relating to your application, please contact the individual named in the advertisement. Alternatively, please contact the Talent team at people@uwa.edu.au with details of your query. To enable a quick response, please include the 6-digit job reference number.

Advertised: 25 May 2026 W. Australia Standard Time
Applications close: 14 Jun 2026 W. Australia Standard Time

Apply now

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