EL1 - Assistant Director, Strategic Communication Branch

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts; Canberra; On-site; AUD 122,667 - 139,534; Full time

Job summary

A government department is seeking an Assistant Director for the Strategic Communication Branch in Canberra. The candidate will manage stakeholder relationships, develop integrated communication strategies, and provide high-quality communication advice. Applicants should have proven experience in communications, excellent project management skills, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments. This full-time position offers a salary range of A$122,667.00 - A$139,534.00 annually.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing and implementing multi-channel communication strategies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills for building relationships with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop communication strategies reflecting policy objectives.
• Provide high-quality communication advice to key stakeholders.
• Measure and improve communication activity performance.
• Manage small-scale advertising and research projects.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Creative communication solutions

Project management

Written and verbal communication

Team leadership

Education

Formal qualifications in Communication/Journalism/Public Relations

Job description

EL1 - Assistant Director, Strategic Communication Branch

Apply for the EL1 - Assistant Director, Strategic Communication Branch role at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.

Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts provided pay range

This range is provided by Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

A$122,667.00/yr - A$139,534.00/yr

The opportunity we have available

The Communication Branch is seeking 2 motivated and creative Assistant Directors to join our Strategic Communication team on an ongoing basis.

Reporting to the Director, Strategic Communication, you will work in a dynamic and innovative team to deliver integrated communication strategies and provide high quality communication advice and products to clients across the department. You will have a demonstrated ability to understand the communication environment in which you operate, proactively identify communication opportunities, and deliver creative communication solutions. You will have a proven ability to successfully manage multiple priorities to achieve results. You will also facilitate Ministerial engagement opportunities, working closely with business areas, government and industry stakeholders.

What will you do?

• Managing and building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the Minister’s office, liaising closely with program and policy areas to understand, anticipate and deliver on their strategic communication needs, and working across the Communication Branch to facilitate outcomes.
• Developing and implementing integrated communication strategies that reflect policy/program objectives, recognise and respond to audience communication needs, and are reflective of the communication and policy environment.
• Providing high quality communication advice to key stakeholders both verbally and in writing, as well as developing and delivering engaging content in both digital and traditional formats.
• Providing evidence-based expert communication advice to support the department’s programs and objectives (including formal briefings).
• Measuring the performance of communication activities and developing recommendations to drive community engagement and continually enhance their quality and effectiveness.
• Applying creative approaches to sometimes complex and sensitive issues, and exercise sound judgement, managing small scale advertising and research projects, and managing the procurement of specialist communication services.
• Identifying engagement opportunities with internal and external stakeholders, maintaining a forward planner, and developing meeting and event briefs to facilitate Ministerial engagement.
• Contributing to the direction, leadership and culture of the Communication Branch, including mentoring junior team members.

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the Executive level 1 Work level standards.

The successful candidates will have proven experience developing and implementing high quality, multi-channel communication strategies. You will have demonstrated an ability to understand the communication environment in which you operate, and “think outside the box” to deliver creative communication solutions.

You will have a positive and proactive approach in identifying opportunities to promote departmental policies and programs and Ministerial engagement opportunities. You will be able to manage competing priorities and deliver results in a high-pressure communication environment due to your excellent project and time management skills.

You will have highly developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into easily digestible key messages and digital formats tailored to target audiences.

You will have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including Ministerial offices, senior executives, client areas and external suppliers.

You will also have experience in managing a small team to build culture, performance and deliver results. You will lead and work alongside your team members to deliver results, coach and mentor and create an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Optimise and deliver results
• Engage successfully with stakeholders
• Communicate with influence
• Demonstrate the skills and expertise outlined in the position description.

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
• Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Clearance Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
• Police check: The successful candidate must satisfactorily complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
• Integrity and Performance check: The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check which is completed by your most recent employer.
• Qualifications: Formal qualifications in Communication/Journalism/Public Relations is desirable

Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEDT, Wednesday 3 December 2025.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Government Administration and Strategic Management Services