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

The opportunity we have available

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

You will work in partnership with subject matter experts and stakeholders to design and develop evidence-led communication programs.

You will 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.

You will be required to:

• 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. You will work with subject matter experts, stakeholders and end audience representatives to ensure content is written for the audience intended and delivered in a streamlined way, using the right channels for delivery.
• 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 Work level standards.

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 (e.g. where, when and who to target a “there when you need it” communications approach).
• 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.

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

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

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. In making it a requirement across all roles in our department, we are taking a practical step in delivering our commitments under the Our Stories on Country Agreement and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategy 2025–28.

As an Executive Level 1 you will be expected to:

• Lead the integration of cultural considerations into work area outcomes.
• Build trusted relationships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. 
• Champion cultural capability within teams and challenges culturally unsafe practices.

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.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Clearance Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
• 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.

For more information about this role, including the type of person we are looking for and how to apply, please refer to the position description available by clicking the 'Apply Now' button.

Our work connects and enriches every Australian community, underpins our economy and society, and empowers our regions. We provide policy advice and deliver programs, projects and services in the infrastructure, transport, communications, sport and arts sectors, supporting our regions, cities and territories. Our staff have the opportunity to work on high profile and diverse national projects that have a meaningful impact on the lives of all Australians. We seek people with a wide range of skills and competencies. Whether you write policy, deliver programs, projects or corporate services, or have experience in research, data or technology, we look for employees who are innovative, respectful and professional. We are an inclusive employer and promote, value and support diversity among our employees with the aim of ensuring our workforce reflects, respects and benefits from diverse communities including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, people with disability and LGBTQI+ people. We are committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.