About the department
The department plays a key role in the Australian Government’s agenda to create jobs and build a stronger, more resilient and competitive economy. Our work builds on Australia’s existing strengths, supports businesses to grow, and drives new opportunities for long-term productivity growth and prosperity. The success of the department helps Australia recover from the economic consequences of COVID‑19 and adapt to its ongoing effects. Through our work, we support the government’s economic recovery plan and help to deliver a better future for all Australians.
About the branch
The Communications Branch consists of the media and speechwriting, strategic communications, digital engagement, branding, visual design and internal communications teams. The branch provides a centralised full-service communication offering, supporting the department and ministerial offices. Our branch works together to provide high quality service and communications outcomes to our clients while maintaining a positive and engaged team culture.
Our ideal candidate
We currently have multiple vacancies at the APS 6 Level for Communications Officers in both our external and internal strategic communications teams.
Our Communications Officers will provide high quality external and internal communications advice to our clients and stakeholders to support the agency in meeting its outcomes. This includes relationship management with policy/program areas as well as other teams in the branch, in particular the technical delivery areas such as Digital, Design, Audio-visual and Media and Speechwriting.
Our ideal candidate will have:
- Demonstrated experience in communications account management, including developing and implementing communication strategies for external or internal audiences
- Excellent writing skills and attention to detail
- Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
- Ability to build and sustain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Demonstrated planning and organisational skills, including ability to meet deadlines with competing priorities and delivering work to a high standard
- Experience managing communication strategies with the ability to identify areas for improvement, provide content advice and initiate change
- The ability to think strategically and identify ways in which the team and/or section can build on its goals and strategies
- Experience working within a team environment with the demonstrated ability to lead projects and make decisions independently
- Empathy, willingness to learn and a team-orientated approach
- Experience supervising junior staff or a willingness to do so.
Our department has a commitment to inclusion and diversity, with an ambition of being the best possible place to work. This reflects the importance we place on our people and on creating a workplace culture where each and every one of us is valued and respected for our contribution. Our ideal candidate adds to this culture and our workplace in their own way.
What you will do
As a Communications Officer at the APS 6 Level, you may:
- Develop and execute comprehensive, fit-for-purpose communications strategies, including program announcements and high-profile policy developments and activities
- Engage with program and client areas to encourage collaboration in the development of key messaging and communications content
- Collaborate with specialists (design, digital, audio-visual, media) across the branch to implement communications strategies
- Develop web content, social media content, internal communications, publications and marketing material
- Undertake editorial services and content creation for the department and our Ministers.
- Mentor and build capability among team members and supervise staff
- Ensure integrity through accuracy and consistency of messaging, responsiveness, timeliness and quality output
- Evaluate communication activities against objectives for key initiatives and projects
- Manage procurement processes and external suppliers
- Manage and/or assist with advertising campaigns
- Manage and/or assist with internal or external events
Eligibility
To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.
Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Notes
Previous APS or government experience within a web or communications team and/or qualifications in communications, digital or related field are highly desirable, however, is not mandatory.
A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.
The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is Canberra based, although flexible or remote work arrangements may be considered. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further.
How to apply
Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.
Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 5000 characters (approximately 750 words) and should align to the key duties listed above.
Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).
Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact recruitment@industry.gov.au or (02) 6276 1235 if you require assistance with your application.
Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.
Contact Information
For more information on this vacancy, please contact Lisa Tilyard on 02 6243 7613 or lisa.tilyard@industry.gov.au
