EL1 - Senior Strategic Communications Advisor, Telecommunications Deployment and Preparedness Branch

The Telecommunications Deployment and Preparedness Branch is focused on improving access to communication technologies across Australia. We provide strategic advice on digital inclusion, including for First Nations people and school students, telecommunications deployment policy, and communications about the safety of electromagnetic energy (EME).

The position is primarily responsible for developing, delivering and driving communication strategies that support the strategic plan and organisational objectives for the electromagnetic energy (EME) communications program.

What you will do:

• Work in partnership with subject matter experts and stakeholders to design and develop evidence-led communication programs.
• Collaborate with partners across the Communications Group (media, external and internal channel managers, brand and content teams, data and analytics) to provide seamless delivery of our communication programs.
• Develop and implement integrated communication strategies and delivery plans for the EME communications program, and telecommunications deployment related matters, as appropriate.
• Develop strategic advice to provide to our senior management and internal colleagues, and to external partners, around messaging, narrative, engagement and communication strategy grounded in evidence and data and in response to performance analytics.
• Connect and collaborate with partners in the Communications Group, acting as the central point of contact to facilitate integrated communications planning and delivery.
• Build strong engagement with community, industry and government partners by keeping them updated, and encouraging them to provide feedback.
• Lead the development of high quality, relevant and audience-focused written content including web pages, reports, speeches, newsletters, executive materials and briefing notes.
• Engage with the department's key policies and practices, record keeping systems and processes, strategic plans and reports, maintaining a high level of awareness and knowledge about internal and external policy shifts, and the legislative context within which we operate.

Inherent requirements for the role:

The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the Executive level 1. To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate your ability to:

• Develop and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders so that the work delivered meets the current and future needs of target audiences.
• Maintain a strong understanding of key reforms affecting telecommunications services and deployment to better address the challenges faced and tailor communication solutions that best meet the needs in specific scenarios.
• Maintain project focus and deliver tangible results whilst dealing with multiple stakeholders who have many competing priorities and timelines.
• Focus on delivery while being aware there are a number of projects, reforms and programs with messaging that competes for stakeholder attention.
• Perform role with a high level of autonomy and be accountable for the delivery of milestones and projects on time, within budget and to expectations in terms of quality, deliverables and outcomes.

RecruitAbility:

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is committed to supporting the employment and career development of people with disability. Our participation in APS RecruitAbility means we will progress an applicant with disability to a further stage in the recruitment process, where they opt into RecruitAbility and meet the minimum requirements for the vacancy.

Desirable requirements:

• Hold a Qualification in Communications/Communications related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic communications roles, including public relations / outreach activities.
• Demonstratable subject-matter expertise in, and experience working on EME-related content.
• Demonstrated experience in leading Commonwealth communication programs.
• Demonstrated experience in providing high quality advice to Ministers.

Cultural capability requirement:

The department believes every role contributes to cultural safety and that building staff cultural capability helps us deliver better policies, programs and services for First Nations people and the broader Australian community. Candidates will be required to demonstrate their willingness to develop their cultural capability as part of the assessment process.

What else can we offer?

We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development, empowering individuals to set goals, acquire new skills, and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Investment in learning and development opportunities, and a positive performance culture.
• Networking opportunities across the department and wider APS through daily engagement with working groups and internal and external stakeholders.
• Improvement of leadership skills through the department's Professional Coaching Scheme and tailored leadership opportunities for staff members.
• Generous leave entitlements of 20 days personal circumstances leave per year, with one month's accrual of leave credited on commencement and 150 hours of paid annual leave.

Join our department and embark on a journey of growth, fulfilment, and well-being. Experience personal and professional development, prioritise your health, and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance.

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.
• Police check: The successful candidate must 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.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Clearance Level.

Timeline and assessment:

A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role. If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.

Your application will be assessed against the inherent requirements of the role, the Work level standards and in comparison to other candidates who applied. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants.