Strategic Communications Lead — Hybrid, Melbourne

Victorian Government; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 116,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

The Victorian Government's Department of Education seeks a Senior Communications Business Partner to lead integrated communications strategies for the VCAA. Based in Melbourne, the fixed term role runs November 2026 to 16 April 2027 with hybrid work options and a competitive salary.

You will advise senior leaders, develop content and media plans, and coordinate cross-team communications across channels to support key education initiatives.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and business partnering in a government, public sector or similarly complex organisation is mandatory.
• Demonstrated experience providing communications advice to senior leaders and partnering with business areas to deliver communication strategies, plans and materials across a range of channels is mandatory.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related discipline is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders to provide strategic communications advice that supports priorities and change initiatives.
• Develop and deliver best practice communication strategies and plans that align with business objectives, stakeholder needs and organisational priorities.
• Build trusted relationships across the organisation to identify communication opportunities, manage issues and support effective stakeholder engagement.
• Lead the development of clear, high-quality communication materials, including key messages, briefs, content and stakeholder communications.
• Coordinate communication activity across teams and channels, advising on risks, issues and opportunities.
• Work effectively under pressure, manage competing priorities and adapt to changing business needs while maintaining output quality.
• This role may require work outside standard hours during peak periods.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Written communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in communications/public relations/journalism/marketing

Job description

The Victorian Government's Department of Education seeks a Senior Communications Business Partner to lead integrated communications strategies for the VCAA. Based in Melbourne, the fixed term role runs November 2026 to 16 April 2027 with hybrid work options and a competitive salary.

You will advise senior leaders, develop content and media plans, and coordinate cross-team communications across channels to support key education initiatives.