Assistant Secretary, Communications Branch

Location: Barton, ACT

Application Closing Date**:05-Dec-2024** **by 11:30pm AEDT**

**Classification**

SES Band 1

**Employment Type**

Ongoing & Non-ongoing (For a period of up to 12 months)

Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for an initial period of up to 12 months, with possibility of extension up to a maximum period of two years.

A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.

**Flexible Work**

At PM&C we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. We consider flexibility first from a starting position of ‘how can we make this work?’ and consider individual circumstances and operational requirements in making genuine attempts to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you, such as part time work, variable start and finish times or working from home.

**Who we are**

Situated within Ministerial Support Division, the Communications Branch provides communications support to the Prime Minister’s Office, portfolio Ministers and the Department. This includes management of media enquiries and media support for the Prime Minister’s international visits (both logístical and briefing materials), digital communications, graphic design, social media, multimedia content creation, speechwriting, internal and corporate communication and strategic communications advice. The Branch has a deep understanding of the Department and its stakeholders and actively collaborates with other Divisions of PM&C.

**What you will do**

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet is seeking an experienced communications leader to manage a team of communications specialists. As the leader of the team, you will deliver high quality, outcomes-focused media and communications support to the Prime Minister, portfolio Ministers, the Department’s Executive, line divisions and taskforces. You will manage teams specialising in media relations, content production and social media, websites and graphic design, and speechwriting; as well as having responsibility for the Department’s library. The role will require a strong awareness and focus on strategic priorities across the portfolio and a deep understanding of Government policies and priorities.

The Assistant Secretary, Communications Branch will be responsible for managing the Department’s public facing digital media presence through quality communication and media strategies that support the Government’s and the Department’s priorities.

This role involves a high level of stakeholder liaison and collaboration, as well as a strong client focus, in particular with the Office of the Prime Minister, portfolio Ministers offices, the Secretary’s Office and the executive more broadly. This includes supporting a range of visits and events, including as part of the Prime Minister’s Program.

**What you will bring**
- Has deep experience in delivering media and communications that support key priorities of the Department and meet the needs of government.
- Has a strong track record of building high performing teams to drive contemporary, effective and outcome-focused communications.
- Builds excellent stakeholder relationships and works collaboratively to deliver results under pressure.
- Builds communication capability and leads innovation in communication.
- Drives, models and advocates a collaborative performance culture for the Branch.
- Supports delivery of strategic outcomes and events for PM&C and Government in collaboration with teams across Ministerial Support Division.
- Contributes to the leadership of the Department and represents the Department in high-level discussions and negotiations.
- Will be a confident, resilient leader who provides high-level guidance to the Senior Executive and liaises comfortably with ministerial offices.
- Is experienced managing a hybrid workforce.

Prior experience working in government is desirable but not essential. We value a broad range of experience from public and private sector and the diverse perspectives varied experience can bring.

**Integrity and Work Health and Safety (SES)**

All APS employees are required to comply with the APS Code of Conduct, including to at all times behave in a way that upholds the APS Values and Employment Principles, and the integrity and good reputation of their agency and the APS. This ensures public trust in the impartiality and reputation of the APS. Employees must also disclose any real or perceived conflicts of interest.

SES leaders in particular are required to demonstrate the highest levels of integrity, uphold and promote the APS Values and Employment Principles by personal example and other appropriate means. To learn more refer to the APS Values and Code of Conduct in Practice