About the Role

The Office of Dr Sophie Scamps MP is seeking an experienced Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) to help lead a highly engaged, community focused electorate office.

Reporting directly to the Member and Chief of Staff, the DCOS is a leadership role responsible for bringing people, systems and strategy together to ensure the electorate office operates smoothly and delivers meaningful outcomes for the Mackellar community.

As a member of the Executive Team, the DCOS plays a central role in shaping office culture, managing human resources, and strengthening community engagement.

This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who enjoys mentoring teams, translating ideas into action, and building strong connections between an MP’s office and the community it serves.

What you’ll do

• Lead the office HR function for the Member, including recruitment, onboarding, staff support and training, with a strong focus on people and wellbeing.
• Provide strong, visible leadership to a multidisciplinary electorate office, fostering a positive, inclusive and high performing workplace culture.
• Act as a key link between the Member and Chief of Staff, and electorate office staff, supporting clear communication, shared priorities and effective collaboration.
• Oversee day‑to‑day office operations to ensure the team is well supported and well-resourced.
• Guide and mentor direct reports, setting clear expectations, supporting professional development and conducting performance reviews.
• Lead and support the Engagement Team in the design and delivery of community initiatives, events and outreach that respond to local community needs and priorities.
• Work closely with the Member to develop and implement engagement strategies that deepen relationships across the electorate.
• Drive continuous improvement in office processes and ways of working to enhance efficiency and teamwork.
• Ensure appropriate frameworks are in place to support sound operations, safety and accountability.

Full details of the role responsibilities are set out in the DCOS Job Description.

About you

Ideally you live in Mackellar or the Northern Beaches of Sydney, or have a strong connection to the Mackellar electorate. You are a confident and empathetic people leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced work environments. You are a proficient multitasker, who enjoys bringing teams together, supporting others to do their best work, and translating ideas and policies into practical outcomes for the community.

You will bring:

• Experience in senior team leadership, operations or office management roles
• Experience leading community engagement, stakeholder relations or public‑facing work
• A genuine commitment to community representation and community engagement
• Attention to detail
• Excellent organisation and communication skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Professional judgement, discretion and a collaborative leadership style

Experience in a parliamentary, government, community or not‑for‑profit setting is desirable but not essential.

The role offers you

• The opportunity to work closely with an Independent Federal Member and an engaged local community
• Exciting and varied work
• A flexible part-time arrangement (4 days per week)
• A supportive, collaborative team environment

Employment Terms

Parliamentarians employ staff under the Members of Parliament (Staff) Act 1984 (MOP(S) Act). Terms and conditions for all Electorate Office staff conditions are outlined in the Commonwealth Members of Parliament (Staff) Enterprise Agreement 2024-27

Applicants should note the following:

• The position is offered initially as a 12 month contract with potential for on-going work.
• An initial probationary period of three months may apply and may be subject to extension.
• The successful applicant may be required to undergo a National Police History Check.
• Staff may be subject to automatic cessation triggers in accordance with Section 14 of the MOP(S) Act.
• The successful applicant will be required to comply with their obligations under the Behaviour Codes and Standards.

A position description is attached.