Principal Consultant Communications

Department of Education; Perth; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Superannuation 12% employer

Flexible working hours

Generous leave entitlements

Professional development opportunities

Salary packaging

Public transport access

Job summary

Department of Education in Western Australia is seeking highly motivated marketing communications specialists to lead strategic projects and build strong relationships with stakeholders. The successful applicant will advise senior executives, develop comprehensive communication strategies, and manage cross-functional campaigns across the Directorate.

You will mentor staff, oversee performance, and coordinate with creative agencies, media buyers and contractors on diverse statewide campaigns and

Qualifications

• Experience leading government campaigns or large-scale projects.
• Ability to develop and implement communication strategies and plans.
• Strong project management and cross-functional coordination.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice to senior executives on sensitive or high-profile issues.
• Develop communication strategies and campaign plans from planning to evaluation.
• Lead and mentor staff across the directorate and manage performance.
• Manage cross-functional campaigns, media relations and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder relations

Campaign management

Project leadership

Media liaison

Job description

We have 2x permanent full-time positions available commencing December 2026. Part-time working arrangements are not an option for this specific position. The Communications Directorate is a collaborative and high-performing team of strategists, storytellers and creative thinkers who work together to showcase the impact of public education across Western Australia. Our work is varied and fast-paced – one day developing a statewide public awareness campaign, the next supporting schools to share their stories or manage issues in the media and advising senior leaders on strategic communications. We value curiosity, creativity and teamwork and our people have the opportunity to work across a wide range of projects, build strong networks across the Department of Education and government, and contribute to initiatives that reach schools, families and communities across the state.

Branches of the Communications Directorate

• Campaigns and Projects
• Media
• Digital Content

These roles sit in the Campaigns and Projects team which is responsible for providing high level communications, campaign and marketing strategies and services for the Department of Education. Campaigns and Projects is responsible for: planning and delivering communication projects, campaigns and events; brand management and developing resources; campaign advertising policy and event advice; high level public relations and marketing advice to schools.

The Role

We are seeking highly motivated and experienced marketing communications specialists who can lead strategic projects and build and maintain strong professional relationships with stakeholders in a dynamic environment. The successful applicant will provide specialist advice to senior executives on sensitive or high-profile issues to support high level decision making. In this role, the applicant will develop communication strategies and campaign plans, including their planning, development, implementation, analysis and evaluation. They will lead and mentor staff across the directorate, manage performance and deliver communication priorities and cross-functional projects. Experience managing government campaigns or large-scale projects and working with creative agencies, media buyers and contractors will be well regarded. Successful applicants will ideally demonstrate initiative and strategic thinking, with strong project management skills and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.

Professional Benefits

• 12% employer contributed superannuation.
• Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including: working from home or remote, flexible working hours.
• Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave.
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance.
• Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments).
• Enjoy easy access to public transport with the Claisebrook train station just a 5-minute walk away or, take advantage of the free Yellow Cat bus service that stops outside our building entrance. Additionally, various CPP parking locations are within walking distance.

Want to know more? Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF). For more information about this opportunity, please contact Hannah Thompson on 0437 253 010 or by emailing [e-mail].

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education's Screening Unit before you start.
• obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1066617. Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position. The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 23 October 2026.