Communications Advisor

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria in Melbourne seeks a Communications and Engagement Advisor to develop and deliver plans for changes to bus, train and tram services. You will prepare messages, Q&As, and keep stakeholders informed while coordinating with project teams and transport operators.

The role requires experience in public sector communications, with a focus on stakeholder engagement and delivering clear, timely information for passengers during service changes.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver communication plans and materials for changes to bus, train and tram services.
• Prepare key messages and Q&As, and keep stakeholders informed.
• Coordinate with colleagues, project teams and transport operators to ensure timely service changes.
• Help passengers and stakeholders understand and prepare for changes to public transport services.

Skills

Draft plans

Project coordination

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

Public speaking

Team player

Education

Communications degree or equivalent

Job description

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC

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

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 plans and materials to support changes to bus, train and tram services. This includes preparing key messages, Q&As answering questions and keeping stakeholders informed.

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

Whatwe’relooking 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 and can manage competing priorities and coordinate 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 **escalate** 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 positive attitude and is a team player.

Qualifications and experience

You’ll bring:

• 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 berequired.

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 ************@transport.vic.gov.au.

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.