Assistant Director - Communications and Engagement

Department for Child Protection; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 138,000 - 169,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department for Child Protection seeks an experienced Assistant Director, Communications and Engagement to lead strategic communications and engagement across media and digital channels. You will advise senior leadership, manage high-profile issues and shape public messaging to strengthen understanding of the department’s role and services.

Based in South Australia, you will guide content for diverse audiences and work within a dynamic, high-profile government context to protect the

Qualifications

• Experience leading strategic communications in a large organisation.
• Strong understanding of government and ministerial environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with ability to influence.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage high-profile issues.
• Expertise in reputation and issues management with stakeholder engagement.
• Commitment to culturally safe and inclusive approaches, including Aboriginal perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications, media, digital and engagement strategies for the department.
• Provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders including the Chief Executive and Minister.
• Oversee responses to emerging issues and high-profile media attention.
• Guide content across social media and other channels to be contemporary and engaging.
• Communicate the department's priorities and services to build community understanding.

Skills

Strategic communications leadership

Government/ministerial environments

Written communication

Verbal communication

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

Job description

Role Status: Full-time ongoing appointment Remuneration: SM2 ($153,887) plus 12% superannuation Shape the conversation. Influence public understanding. Make an impact. As the Assistant Director, Communications and Engagement, you will lead communications that bring the Department for Child Protection's work to life, strengthen public understanding and shape how the department is seen by the community. Working within the Office of the Chief Executive, you will provide strategic communications advice to senior leaders, including the Chief Executive and Minister, and lead the department's response to emerging issues, sensitive matters and high-profile media attention. You will have the opportunity to influence public messaging, protect the department's reputation and ensure our communications are timely, clear and effective. You will lead the department's media, digital and engagement approach, guiding content across social media and other channels to ensure it is contemporary, engaging and tailored to diverse audiences. Through your leadership, you will help communicate the department's priorities, explain its role and services, and build community understanding of its work. This is a role for an experienced communications professional who thrives in a dynamic, high-profile environment. You will bring sound judgement, strategic thinking and the ability to anticipate issues, navigate complexity and respond confidently as priorities evolve. If you are motivated by the opportunity to influence, lead and make a meaningful difference through communications, this is your opportunity to have an impact.

What you will bring:

• Experience leading strategic communications, media or corporate affairs in a large organisation
• A strong understanding of government and ministerial environments, with a clear and confident approach to advising senior executives
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build effective relationships
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams and projects
• Expertise in reputation and issues management, with a focus on stakeholder engagement
• A commitment to culturally safe and inclusive approaches that consider and recognise Aboriginal perspectives

Why apply:

This is an opportunity to lead communications that help people understand the work we do and why it matters. By bringing greater visibility to our purpose and the outcomes we deliver, you will contribute to how our department is understood by the community. Children, young people and families are at the centre of everything we do. You’ll help bring the department’s vision to life, highlighting our commitment to helping children and young people grow up safe, healthy and supported to reach their full potential.

About DCP

The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in the protection of children, young people and their families within South Australia. The department provides support to vulnerable children and young people to be safe, strong and connected.

Special Conditions:

• You must have a current Working With Children Check. For a successful application you will need to respond to all points listed under the your capabilities section of the attached role description.

Want to know more? Contact Lia Fontanarosa - Executive Support Officer for a confidential discussion. Email communication is preferred: [emailprotected]. Our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. This includes women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ communities, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and respectful workplace where everyone feels supported.