Executive Manager Operational Communications

About us

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) provides fire prevention, preparedness and response services to fire in the built and landscape environments, as well as scientific and specialist capabilities to Queensland communities. The QFD provides a multi-hazard emergency response, including road crash rescue, bushfire, hazardous material, technical and vertical rescue, severe weather incidents, remote and swiftwater rescue, and provides a number of functions supporting community safety outcomes.

The department encompasses Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR), Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ), as well as the broader department which work together to pre-empt, prevent, mitigate and manage the consequences of fires and other emergencies on Queensland communities and support our large volunteer membership across the state.

The QFD is an organisation that is committed to reframing the department’s relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and organisations through activities identified in the QFD Reframing the Relationship Plan, contributing to Closing the Gap outcomes and building our cultural capability.

Purpose of role

The Operational Communications Unit provides strategic direction, advice and planning to deliver initiatives for the advancement of frontline communications capability, equipment and infrastructure used by QFD’s operational workforce. The team is responsible for the delivery of projects and initiatives to enhance operational communication systems, including radio, cellular and satellite systems, as well as managing ongoing contracts with government wireless network vendors and other service providers. The team also provides specialist communications equipment and personnel to support field-based operations as required, including deploying at short notice to incidents and disasters to meet operational capability requirements. 

Reporting to the Director, Operational Communications, you will lead and manage a multi-disciplinary team within the appropriate financial and human resources delegations, and drive the development, maintenance and implementation of a unified communications solution as part of QFD operational communications strategic plan, including to deliver organisational capability, and ensure each service’s requirements are met.  You will provide strategic oversight, planning and advice for the ongoing program of initiatives for the advanced communication systems, and evaluate processes that facilitate strong program and project management discipline, reporting and benefits realisation to meet operational and departmental objectives.

Key requirements

Highly desirable requirements

• Knowledge and operational experience (including radio communications) in an emergency service organisation or similar environment.

• Experience and/or knowledge in Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System (AIIMS).

Special requirements

• It is expected that the incumbent will undertake operational duties and participate in an out of hours on call roster during emergency operations. This may require work outside of normal hours (e.g. night shift) including weekends, working extended hours and may include deployment to other parts of the state.

Your key accountabilities

Your part in the ongoing success of our department, in supporting frontline services will see you responsible for a variety of work, including, but not limited to:

• Lead the development and implementation of operational communication systems and technologies, ensuring it reflects best practice policy, governance, risk management and technical controls. 
• Provide strategic advice, analysis and direction in relation strategic projects, initiatives and management activities to support integrated and interoperable communications strategies for QFD.
• Lead and manage operational and strategic planning activities, including vendor contracts and service level agreements to ensure communication systems are leveraged for interoperability with stakeholders and achieve shared objectives and operational capability
• Manage and prepare complex reports, submissions, briefing notes and correspondence on emerging issues and complex communication matters, in accordance with departmental requirements.
• Build and maintain collaborative and effective working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to ensure communication strategies, training and resources are maintained and delivered.
• Represent QFD on various committees and working groups to develop coordinated strategies and technology solutions for the department and our partners in emergency response and disaster management. 
• Lead and manage the functions of the team through effective human resource, and financial and budget management practices, including developing staff through performance, planning and review.
• Lead, manage and coordinate the departments communications operations and resources during large scale multi-agency incidents and disasters within Queensland.

Capabilities

To determine your suitability for the role, you will be assessed on the following Leadership Competencies for Queensland profiles that link to the “key accountabilities” for this role:

Leadership Competency Stream – Program Leader (leading teams and/or projects)

Vision

• Leads strategically
• Leads change in complex environments

Results

• Develops and mobilises talent
• Drives accountability and outcomes

Accountability

• Fosters healthy and inclusive workplaces
• Demonstrates sound governance

Once you join us we will want you to exemplify the QFD shared values of:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Courage
• Loyalty