Communications Officer and Nominal Rolls Team Leader

The Nominal Rolls team sits within the Data Connect Section, which forms part of the Data & Insights Branch in the Technology, Digital and Data Division. 

The Nominal Rolls team plays a unique role within DVA by supporting both commemorative outcomes and data stewardship. The team maintains the World War Two, Korean War, Vietnam War and Preliminary Gulf War Nominal Rolls, ensuring they remain accurate, accessible and respectful records of service. Team members undertake detailed research and evidence validation, respond to requests for inclusions and amendments, and liaise with organisations such as the Department of Defence, National Archives of Australia and the Australian War Memorial.

The Communications Officer and Nominal Rolls Team Leader leads the delivery of DVA's Nominal Rolls program and associated strategic projects within the Data Connect Section. The role provides leadership, technical expertise and project management capability to ensure the ongoing integrity, accessibility and enhancement of DVA's Nominal Rolls and the Nominal Rolls Information System (NRIS).

Operating under broad direction, the APS 6 leads a specialised team, manages complex stakeholder relationships, develops business improvement initiatives, and delivers high-quality written products including ministerial correspondence, briefs, business cases, project proposals and technical documentation. The position also supports broader Data Connect priorities through technical writing and communication functions.

It is highly desirable to have experience in records management, archives, and/or Australian military history, including the ability to research, interpret and manage historical records, and work with cultural institutions.

• Lead and coordinate the Nominal Rolls team, providing direction, guidance, quality assurance, coaching and mentoring to build capability and support performance. 
• Manage workflows, priorities and service delivery, while maintaining business continuity and knowledge management processes. 
• Lead the development of new Nominal Rolls and associated governance protocols.
• Build productive relationships across DVA, external agencies, researchers and commemorative organisations.
• Exceptional written communication skills.
• Prepare and quality assure ministerial correspondence, executive briefs, Senate Estimates material, business cases and complex responses.

• Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).
• All applicants external to DVA offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
• The successful candidate will be required obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance.

Mandatory Requirements

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in Communications, Journalism, Professional Writing, Technical Writing, Public Relations, Media, English, Creative Writing, Publishing, Editing, or a related discipline. OR
• Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing, Communications, Journalism, Publishing, or a related field. OR
• Certificate IV or higher qualification in Professional Writing and Editing, Communications, Government, or a related discipline. OR
• Accredited training in policy writing, brief writing, report writing, technical writing, content design, plain English writing, or government communications.

This recruitment process is being used to fill ongoing and/or non-ongoing position/s. For more information about the role, please see the Candidate Information Pack.

A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which may be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months.

Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.

DVA embraces and fosters a culture that supports diversity, inclusion and respect, where people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. We are dedicated and committed to attracting and recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and encourage applications from people with disability, people that identify as LGBTQIA+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Take on a rewarding, varied, and broad career with an Australian Public Service Department that can bring balance and flexibility to your working life, while supporting you to stay connected to your community.

DVA is committed to improving the data skills and capability of our workforce to underpin our goal of becoming a leading data-driven organisation.

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) exists to fulfil the nation’s duty to support our serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members and their families. We do this through programs of care, compensation, commemoration, income and Defence support services. Our aim is to enhance self-sufficiency, quality of life, financial wellbeing and community recognition for those we support. DVA is both a policy and service delivery agency. We have strong relationships with Australian ex-service organisations, Federal and State Government agencies and the veteran community. DVA’s vision is to honour veterans, and empower them and their families to continue life after service, within a society that understands and values their military service and their ongoing contribution to the community.