Strategic Adviser, Communications

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full time

Organisation: Department of Health

**Salary**: $134,593 - $180,115

Occupation: Communications, Marketing and Media

Reference: VG/1831743

The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

**About the role**:

- The Strategic Advisor leads a small team responsible for providing high level executive advice and support to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) on a broad range of issues and projects. The role provides strategic and operational supports to the CCO, the Executive team and broader branch.
- This is a fast paced and varied role, requiring significant government business acumen.
- Working closely with the CCO, the Strategic Adviser provides high-level executive and project support including strategic advice, horizon scanning, forward planning, preparing high quality documents and presentations, developing critical internal relationships, and implementing strategies to enable the achievement of branch priorities and the effectiveness of branch operations.
- The Strategic Adviser leads a small team (the Directorate) that is the central coordination point for the Communications and Engagement branch. The Directorate delivers the operational requirements of the branch across administration, recruitment, finance, risk, procurement, sponsorship and reporting requirements.
- This role is central to good governance and oversees systems and processes that support the branch to be effective.

**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.

**How you'll make a difference**:

- Provide high level executive advice and support to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) on a broad range of issues and projects by monitoring and responding to incoming issues, anticipating requirements, and providing recommendations on courses of action.
- Provide a range of high-level supports to the CCO and Executive team including:
- implementing strategies to enable the achievement of key strategic priorities and the effectiveness of branch operations
- managing risks and issues
- undertaking forward planning and horizon scanning
- embedding contemporary ways of working across the branch
- managing and coordinating key corporate and governance requirements across the branch.
- Lead a small team (the Directorate) that delivers the operational needs of the branch across administration, recruitment, finance, risk, procurement, sponsorships and reporting requirements.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key internal stakeholders including the Executive team, other Divisions and the Office of the Secretary.
- Represent the branch on operational internal committees and meetings.

**Suitable applicants will be able to demonstrate**:

- A tertiary qualification in fields related to public administration or business management would be desirable.
- Demonstrated understanding of the public service and the operation of government or a similar complex business environment.

To learn more please click ‘Apply' to view the Position Description on the Careers.vic website.

**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.

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