Gazetted Vacancy

Ongoing Canberra,Melbourne, Victoria,Sydney, New South Wales
- Public Affairs Officer 1 (PAO1) $73,563 - $86,277
- Kristy Breugelmans 02 6146 4098

**About the Stream, Group or Branch**:
The Department of Social Services communication functions are led by the Campaigns and Strategic Communication Branch and the Corporate Communication and Media Relations Branch.

The Branches collectively support the department to deliver its portfolio outcomes by providing a range of communication services including:

- strategic communication advice and services
- media services and content development
- campaigns and public relations
- ministerial communication and media services
- corporate communication resources and services
- delivery of the intranet and delivery of an updated dss.gov.au website
- social media channel management.

**Position Description**:
The Campaigns and Strategic Communication Branch is looking to fill Public Affairs Officer Grade 1 roles. As a Public Affairs Officer, you will have the opportunity to work across the communication profession, including strategic communication, public relations, stakeholder engagement, advertising campaigns and social media. The main focus of your role will depend on the individual needs of the section.

Primary duties of a Public Affairs Officer Grade 1 (PAO1) include but are not limited to:

- supporting a small team in the development, implementation and evaluation of integrated communication plans and strategies, including Australian Government advertising campaigns
- supporting positive relationships with policy and program areas and contracted agencies
- assisting in the development and drafting of communication materials for various audiences, which may include social media and web content, communication and stakeholder products, videos and accessible formats
- assisting with procurement processes in line with departmental and whole-of-government procurement rules
- supporting the team to monitor and report on the implementation of strategic communication initiatives
- performing administrative and coordination tasks for the team
- working effectively as part of a team to deliver results and effectively manage personal workloads under supervision
- cultivating successful internal and external relationships, while positively contributing to the ongoing culture of the Campaigns and Strategic Communication Branch.

You will have demonstrated experience in a public affairs, strategic communication, campaign or social media team in the public or private sector.

You will possess relevant tertiary qualifications in journalism, communication, marketing, social media or related fields, or be able to demonstrate recognised skills or relevant experience.

**Eligibility / Additional Requirements**:
Positions may be available in Canberra, Sydney or Melbourne and the Department of Social Services offers flexible working arrangements.

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

Non-ongoing vacancies will be offered for a period of up to 18 months with the possibility of extension (up to a total period of 3 years). Some of these non-ongoing vacancies may become ongoing in the next 12 months.

To be eligible for employment with Department of Social Services, you must be an Australian citizen. An applicant's suitability for employment with the department will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This will include an identity and criminal history background check.

How to apply

Applicants are required to provide up to a two-page summary (no more than 1000 words) that outlines skills, knowledge, and experience and why you should be considered for this vacancy. You should take into consideration the position description when drafting your response. Where possible include specific relevant examples of your work.To be eligible for employment with Department of Social Services (the department), you must be an Australian citizen. An applicant's suitability for employment with the Department will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This will include an identity and criminal history background check.

**Eligibility to obtain an Australian Government Security Clearance**:
The suitable applicant must also obtain and maintain a security clearance conducted by the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA).

Applicants also must be able to establish their background as checkable to be considered eligible for a security clearance. Any gaps or periods of time spent overseas for 12 or more months (cumulative) that cannot be verified by an Australian referee is deemed uncheckable, rendering the applicant ineligible for a security clearance. Background history must cover 5 / 10 years (Baseline / Negative Vet 1 or Negative Vet 2) of employ