Communications Advisor

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport and Planning in Melbourne is seeking a Communications Advisor for a fixed-term full-time role (12 months) to support changes to bus, train and tram services. The position involves developing communication plans, messaging and engagement materials, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure timely, clear information for passengers.

You will work in a fast-paced environment, manage competing priorities, and complete pre-employment checks as required.

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in communications, engagement or a similar discipline (mandatory).
• Experience in planning and delivering communications and engagement programs in a public sector, major project, transport or infrastructure (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver communication and engagement plans and materials for changes to bus, train and tram services.
• Prepare messages, Q&As and marketing assets; attend public-facing consultations and meet with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with colleagues, project teams, transport operators and communication specialists to ensure changes are clearly communicated and deadlines are met.

Skills

Comms planning

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector communications

Written communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in communications

Job description

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria’s transport, planning and land services.

Title: Communications Advisor
Requisition ID: 13219
Work Type: Fixed Term Full Time
Fixed Term Period: 12 months
Location: Melbourne - CBD
Date Posted: 5 Nov 2026

We're committed to creating a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive and do meaningful work.

About The Role

This is a fixed-term position until 14 January 2028.

The Network Service Change (NSC) Communications and Engagement Advisor develops and delivers communication and marketing plans and materials to support changes to bus, train and tram services. This includes preparing key messages, Q&As, marketing assets as well as attending public-facing consultation and regularly meeting with internal and external stakeholders.

The role works closely with colleagues, project teams, transport operators and communication specialists to ensure service changes are clearly communicated, risks are managed, project deadlines are met and passengers are prepared for changes to public transport services.

What We're Looking For

You're someone who:

• can draft communications plans, writing succinctly, clearly and confidently, ensuring plans align to each project’s objectives.
• has initiative, is flexible and adaptable, can manage competing priorities and tasks to keep projects on track to meet agreed deadlines.
• can identify and articulate risks and issues, seeks and suggests solutions but has sound judgement to escape issues and seek advice.
• is comfortable working in a high-volume, process and deadline-driven environment that has continually changing priorities.
• has experience in delivering stakeholder engagement and is comfortable speaking to members of the public.
• builds positive relationships with stakeholders, has a can-do attitude and is a team player.

You’ll Bring

Qualifications and experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in communications, engagement or a similar discipline (mandatory).
• Experience in planning and delivering communications and engagement programs in a public sector, major project, transport or infrastructure (desirable).

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.

Applicants must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid visa or work permit that allows them to undertake the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Thursday, 19th November 2026.

For further information about the role, contact Jane Thomson, Manager, Communications and Engagement, Service Change at [e-mail].

VPS Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details so your redeployment status can be appropriately considered.

Learn more about VPS redeployment.