Director, Public Affairs

Buscojobs; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Public Affairs to enhance its reputation through strategic communication and stakeholder engagement. This pivotal role involves leading a team of experts, managing media relations, and providing high-level advice to senior executives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in crisis management and a passion for public service. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community while enjoying a commitment to work-life balance and professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Growth and development opportunities

Work-life balance initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic communication and public affairs.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Department's public affairs strategy and execution.
• Provide strategic advice to senior stakeholders on media and issues management.

Skills

Strategic Communication

Stakeholder Engagement

Crisis Management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field

Master's Degree (preferred)

Job description

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Director, Public Affairs is responsible for safeguarding and enhancing the Department's reputation through strategic and proactive positioning, high-level stakeholder and Ministerial relations, and robust issues management. The role strategically positions the Department as a trusted and accountable system steward with government, the health sector, partner entities and the media.

Leading a team of experts, the Director is responsible for strategy and execution across media, social media and Ministerial events. It is the primary contact for Ministerial Offices on all public affairs matters, and provides considered and expert advice to the Secretary, Deputy Secretaries and other Executives across media strategy, crisis communications, and issues management.

The Director works collaboratively with other functions across the branch, including engagement, marketing and strategic communications, to deliver high-quality and integrated communication outcomes in a fast-paced and changing environment.

About us :

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all.

About you :

• Strategically position the Department of Health as an authoritative and trusted system steward.
• Operate collaboratively as a member of the Communications and Engagement Executive, ensuring an integrated and holistic approach to strategic delivery.
• Provide inspiring and accountable people leadership to a team of experts, actively monitoring and managing wellbeing and performance outcomes.
• Provide responsive, authoritative and strategic advice to the Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, Chief Communications Officer and other senior stakeholders on matters relating to media strategy and issues management.
• Champion and participate in corporate and culture activities, including the Performance Development Process and the People Matter Survey.
• Build strong and productive professional relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders including Ministers Offices, media, health sector and other government entities.

What we offer :

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply :

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date.

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy. If you have any queries in relation to the application or recruitment processes, please email