Senior Director, Communications and Engagement | Full-time Temporary

Australian Capital Territory; Canberra; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

ACT Government in Canberra seeks a Senior Director, Communications and Engagement to lead strategy across city services, planning, transport, environment, and customer services. The role reports to the Executive Branch Manager and guides executives on communications and issues management.

The position is full-time temporary through 30 June 2027, with a focus on fostering collaboration, delivering high-quality outcomes, and building a positive workplace culture within a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in strategic communications and stakeholder relations.
• Ability to provide trusted, high-level advice to executives and ministers.
• Proven track record in leading high-performing teams in fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications and engagement programs across a broad portfolio.
• Advise executives and senior leaders on communications and community engagement strategies.
• Build relationships with government, industry, and community stakeholders and manage issues.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Issues management

Leadership

Team development

Education

Tertiary qualifications in communications/marketing/public relations

Job description

Senior Director, Communications and Engagement
Full-time Temporary

Details: We are looking for a Senior Director, Communications and Engagement (SOG A) to join the City and Environment Directorate (CED), where you'll help shape how government connects with the Canberra community across city services, planning, transport, environment, regulation and customer services.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced communications and engagement leader to drive strategic communication, stakeholder engagement and community connections across a diverse and high-profile portfolio.

Reporting to the Executive Branch Manager, Communications, Engagement and Media, the role provides expert advice to executives, ministers and senior leaders on communications, community engagement, reputational issues and organisational priorities. You'll lead a multidisciplinary team, oversee major communication and engagement programs, and play a key role in supporting government responses during significant issues and Territory emergencies.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has extensive experience in strategic communications, engagement and stakeholder relations.


• Can provide trusted, high-level advice to executives, ministers and senior decision-makers.


• Enjoys working in complex, fast-paced and high-pressure environments.


• Has strong issues management, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.


• Can build productive relationships across government, the community and key stakeholders.


• Is passionate about leading and developing high-performing teams and fostering a positive workplace culture.


• Can manage competing priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes and measurable results.

The role offers the opportunity to influence major policy and service initiatives, lead communications and engagement for high-profile projects, and help ensure the Canberra community is informed, engaged and connected to government decisions and services

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.

Eligibility/Other Requirements:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications such as in communications, marketing and/or public relations is highly desirable.


• The ability to work flexibly with some out of hours work is required with weekend and after-hours work, on a roster-based system.


• Accreditation under the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) is highly desirable.

Notes: This is a temporary position available immediately until 30 June 2027 with the possibility for extension up to 12 months.

A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months.

Selection may be based on application and referee reports only.

Note: Under the ACTPS employment framework you may be placed in another role where required for the efficient administration of the service.

Where an offer of employment is for a fixed-term period, any related temporary contracts within the Territory will be issued in compliance with the requirements and applicable exceptions outlined in the Fair Work Act.

The ACT public service is committed to closing the gap, underpinned by the belief that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a genuine say in the design and delivery of policies, programs and services that affect them, better life outcomes are achieved. More information can be found here ACT Closing the Gap Implementation Plan - ACT Government Transparency Portal .

#LI-DNI

Note

This is a temporary position available immediately until 30 June 2027 with the possibility of extension up to 12 months.