Job Assistant Manager - Grants Policy, Blacktown

About the department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government's economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people's lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia's future.

Please see the APSC's APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

The Grants Policy team sits within the Business Grants Hub (BGH) and plays a central role in shaping and supporting the delivery of grant programs that drive Australia's industrial growth, scientific innovation, and sustainable resource development. The team ensures that grants are designed, governed, and implemented in line with best practice and government priorities.

The Policy team contributes to:

• Policy development: Design and refine grants policy frameworks that align with the Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles (CGRPs) and departmental objectives.
• Program support: Provide strategic advice and operational guidance to program areas across the BGH to ensure effective and compliant grant delivery.
• Governance and assurance: Develop tools, templates, and processes to support consistent and transparent grants management.
• Stakeholder engagement: Work closely with internal teams, other government agencies, and external stakeholders to co-design grant programs and improve policy outcomes.
• Continuous improvement: Lead reform initiatives and contribute to agency and whole-of-government efforts to enhance grants administration and policy effectiveness.

The BGH Division manages the design and delivery of grant programs on behalf of 11 Commonwealth agencies, including our own department, overseeing over $8billion in government investment in Australian businesses.

Grants play a critical role in:

• supporting growth in businesses and industries.
• fostering research and innovation.
• strengthening communities.
• helping the environment.
• providing emergency relief

The opportunity

This recruitment process will be used for the purpose of engaging non-ongoing employees for an initial period of up to 6-months with the possibility of extension or ongoing conversion.

Leads policy development and strategic projects. Provides high-level advice, manages complex grants policy initiatives, and supports senior decision-making within the department.

What's in it for you?

Working in grants policy offers a unique opportunity to shape programs that foster innovation, stimulate economic growth, and deliver meaningful outcomes for the community.

You'll play a key role in advancing national priorities, collaborating with industry and research partners, and helping ensure public funding delivers real value for Australians

Our ideal candidate

We're looking for a proactive and strategic thinker who thrives in a dynamic policy environment. The ideal candidate will be passionate about delivering impactful grant programs that support Australian businesses and communities. They will bring strong leadership, policy expertise, and stakeholder engagement skills, with a commitment to public service excellence. You will have:

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing complex policy initiatives, ideally in grants or public funding and ability to interpret and apply legislation, including the CGRPs.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, manage workloads, and foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture and experience in managing projects and delivering outcomes in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders and ability to negotiate and influence across diverse groups, including government, industry, and research sectors.
• Capacity to use data and evidence to inform policy decisions and evaluate program effectiveness and experience in risk management and assurance activities related to grants or public programs.
• High-level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare ministerial briefs, policy papers, and reports, and confidence in representing the department in inter-agency forums and consultations.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to changing priorities and a mindset for continuous improvement and innovation in policy and program delivery.

Previous experience in a policy role, grants administration or managing Cabinet processes will be highly regarded.

What you'll gain from the experience

You will gain diverse and valuable experiences, including hands-on involvement in policy development. This includes contributing directly to the design and refinement of grants policy that supports national priorities across industry, science, and resources, offering exciting professional development opportunities. You will gain exposure to high-level policy work that shapes national grant programs and develop a deeper understanding of government decision-making processes. This includes involvement in ministerial briefings, Cabinet processes, and interdepartmental collaboration.

The role also supports your active participation in policy reform and continuous improvement initiatives, influencing how public funds are invested. You'll contribute to programs that advance national prosperity, promote scientific excellence, and support sustainable resource use.


The key duties of the position include
As an EL1 Assistant Manager, Grants Policy, you will:

• Lead the development and refinement of grants policy frameworks that support national priorities in industry growth, scientific innovation, and resource management.
• Provide strategic policy advice on the design, implementation, and evaluation of grant programs.
• Manage complex policy projects related to grants administration, ensuring alignment with government objectives and compliance with legislative requirements.
• Draft high-level policy documents, including ministerial briefs, Cabinet submissions, and internal guidance materials for grants governance.
• Interpret and apply the CGRPs and other relevant legislation to ensure robust policy development.
• Engage with stakeholders across government, industry, and research sectors to co-design grant programs and inform policy decisions.
• Oversee performance monitoring and evaluation frameworks for grant programs, using data and evidence to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead risk management and assurance activities for grants policy, identifying systemic issues and developing mitigation strategies.
• Mentor and manage APS-level policy officers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Represent the department in whole-of-government forums, contributing to cross-agency policy development and grants reform initiatives