Manager, Compliance Strategy and Performance

Vacancy Details

Manager, Compliance Strategy and Performance

APS6

Townsville, Cairns

Ongoing/Non-ongoing; Full-time

Applications close Tuesday 21 July 2026, 11:59pm AEST

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (the Reef Authority) is a Commonwealth non-corporate entity, and a statutory agency established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Marine Park Act), reporting to the Minister for the Environment and Water. Our objective is the long-term protection, ecologically sustainable use, understanding and enjoyment of the Great Barrier Reef for all Australians and the international community through the care and development of the Marine Park.

Managing a reef roughly the size of Italy demands many skills and talents, so you don't have to be a marine biologist to contribute to our mission. From finance to marketing roles, we have a team almost as diverse as the ecosystem we protect. Our commitment and dedication to the Great Barrier Reef and the Australian public have a long-lasting impact, and we are looking for individuals who can bring their unique skills, experience, and knowledge to our high-performing and inclusive organisation.

The Position

We are seeking a manager to join our small team in the compliance program, which is part of the Australian and Queensland Governments’ Reef Joint Field Management Program. This position supports compliance performance, reporting, planning and business improvement activities that contribute to protecting the values of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area. Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders is key to success in the role.

The Manager, Compliance Strategy and Performance leads operational reporting, business analysis, and business improvement activities across the compliance program. The role focuses on enhancing reporting capability, supporting operational planning, and improving operational processes and workflows across the Program. The position is also responsible for preparing quarterly compliance reports, key performance indicators, funding proposals and strategic documents that support operational and management decision-making and improve understanding of the compliance program and associated funding priorities.

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, experience in operational reporting and business improvement activities, and the ability to translate operational and compliance data into clear business insights and practical recommendations. Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, along with the ability to work collaboratively across teams and partner agencies, are essential.

About You

• You possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret information and provide practical recommendations.
• You have experience in operational reporting, business analysis, business improvement or related activities.
• You prepare clear, accurate and concise reports, briefings and other business documentation.
• You communicate effectively and build productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• You contribute to planning, reporting and funding proposal activities within an operational environment.
• You are organised and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing priorities and contribute to multiple activities concurrently.
• You work collaboratively to support operational outcomes and continuous improvement across the compliance program.

Duties

• Coordinate and prepare high-quality reports, briefings, board papers, strategies and other written material, including the provision of timely, practical, evidence-based and risk-informed advice to support decision-making by the Assistant Director, Director and Executive stakeholders relating to activities within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, including commercial and recreational fishing, marine industries, tourism, and other regulated uses.
• Support the delivery of Reef Authority and Reef Joint Field Management Program priorities through program planning, governance and reporting, business improvement initiatives, development of compliance frameworks and procedures, and coordination of funding, reporting and communication activities.
• Lead and support business improvement and reform initiatives that strengthen compliance capability, regulatory effectiveness, and the protection of the Marine Park.
• Work collaboratively with partners and internal and external stakeholders to promote collaboration, best-practice regulatory approaches, and the successful delivery of compliance program outcomes.
• Coordinate compliance program governance, business planning, performance monitoring, and planning activities.

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Kate Hatten, Assistant Director Compliance Planning, Ph. 0429682980

Essential Requirements

Evidence of an undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) in a relevant discipline.

To be eligible for employment, candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of application.

The position requires a Baseline security clearance. Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

The successful candidate will be willing to provide identity documents and undergo an identity pre-employment check through a Document Verification Service.

How to apply

Please ensure you read the instructions below and on the Position Description carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.

You will be required to prepare a response document (“pitch”) in MSWord or PDF format using standard margins and size 11 Arial font.

Please prepare a ‘pitch’, as outlined in the Position Description, in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

• how your experience, abilities, knowledge and personal qualities would enable you to perform the duties and meet the technical and behavioural capabilities of the role.

• any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.

• how you meet the eligibility requirements and qualifications for the position.

When crafting your response, we encourage you to review ‘Cracking the Code’ and the relevant Australian Public Service Work Level Standards which can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website: www.apsc.gov.au.

Please complete your application online and provide:

• your ‘pitch’ (as described above and in the position description).
• proof of Australian citizenship (an Australian Passport or Australian Birth Certificate)
• a current curriculum vitae (resume)

Applicants are advised to read further information provided on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Careers website.

PLEASE NOTE: - The panel may not consider additional information such as a cover letter or content exceeding the page limit.

Notes

• The current position is ongoing however through this process may create a merit pool to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that become available within the next 18 months.
• We do not accept unsolicited résumés from recruitment agencies.

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 the Reef Authority is subject to:

• Conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999.
• Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) granting a security clearance at the required level.
• Evidence of citizenship status.
• Evidence of qualifications required of the role.
• Evidence of a completed national police-check with no risks identified by the Reef Authority.
• The CEO of the Reef Authority, or their Delegate, approving a Notice of Engagement.
• The Australian Government Security Clearance Application Guide Book provides information on minimum eligibility requirements for holding a security clearance at the required level. Please ensure that you are able to provide the necessary documents if you apply for the position. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the AGSVA website.