Strategic Adviser

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full time / Ongoing

Organisation: Department of Health

**Salary**: $127,467 - $170,579

Occupation: Communications, Marketing and Media

Reference: VG/DH/CE/1691258

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**Role purpose**

As the Strategic Advisor to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO), you will have a unique opportunity to support the department-wide Communications and Engagement leadership team, strategically and practically.

You will be responsible for ensuring the CCO and other communications and engagement executives are maximising their strategic impact both internally and externally by building a broad and robust network of influence and supporting productive relationships with business partners, decision makers and stakeholders.

Working closely with the CCO, you will undertake forward planning, horizon scanning while using influence, insight and strong relationships to provide advice and drive outcomes that ensure the smooth operation of the new operating model for communications and engagement.

This role provides a range of high-level executive and project support including strategic advice, forward planning, environmental scanning, preparing and quality control of high quality documents and briefings, developing critical relationships, and implementing strategies to enable the achievement of the branch and department's strategic objectives. It is a role that is central to good governance and smooth operations of the branch and its systems and processes.

The Strategic Advisor has their finger on the pulse of reputation risk management with a strong future focus for improved long-term planning. This role leads a small team in the Office of the Chief Communications Officer (known as the Directorate). It will also provide the secretariat to the newly formed Communications and Engagement Executive Governance Group. The role is the lynchpin in the effective management of the branch and the success of the leadership team in meeting the department's strategic goals and objectives.

**Key accountabilities**
- Support the department-wide Communications and Engagement leadership team, strategically and practically, through forward planning, horizon scanning and communication of upcoming deliverables, emerging risks, issues and opportunities by collaborating with relevant leadership teams across the Department and providing expert strategic advice.
- Provide strategic supports to members of the Communications and Engagement Executive to enable the CCO and Executive Governance Group to make informed decisions, represent the department and positively contribute to the management of deliverable and reputation risk by:

- Managing the secretariat for the Executive Governance Group
- Preparing governance committee agendas and minutes
- preparing and quality assuring a broad range of presentations, papers, briefings and reports.
- Establish and maintain effective planning and horizon scanning for the Executive and contribute to the achievement of deliverables by using influence, organisational insight, and fostering strong relationships.
- Contribute to effective performance monitoring and continuous improvement processes in relation to government policies, objectives, priorities, and reporting requirements.
- Manage and enable the effective operation of the Directorate including the management and development of direct reports including a Principal Advisor, Business Coordinator and Executive Assistant.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders so they have relevant information and advice about the branch's direction and services. This includes working with stakeholders to identify issues, risks and requirements to ensure appropriate information flow.
- Prepare and oversee the preparation of advice and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders, including executive management, stakeholders and Ministerial offices, conveying complex concepts and information.
- Demonstrate how the actions and outcomes of this role and work unit impact clients and the department's ability to deliver, or facilitate the delivery of, effective support and services.
- Keep accurate and complete records of your work activities in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's records, information security and privacy policies and requirements.
- Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and for that of others in the workplace by working in accordance with legislative requirements and the department's occupational health and safety (OHS) policies and procedures.

**Mandatory Vaccination Policy**

**HOW TO APPLY**:
For this position, you are not required to address each of the key selection criteria in a separate written document.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.