Director Communications and Media

Job description

Agency Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Work unit Communications and Media

Job title Director Communications and Media Designation Senior Administrative Officer 2

Job type Full time Duration Ongoing

Salary $148,302 - $161,638 Location Darwin

Position number 16873 RTF Closing 26/08/2025

Contact officer Andrew Baylis, A/Senior Executive Director on or

About the agency

Apply online

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY

QUALIFICATIONS.

Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans

The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with

disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss

this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.

Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the

OCPE website.

Primary objective

Provide high-level strategic advice on communications, including media, marketing and public information management, lead and manage

the Communications and Media Branch, and drive delivery of branch strategic priorities to support the Department of Agriculture and

Fisheries and the agency's reputation as a valuable public service.

Context statement

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is responsible for livestock and plant biosecurity, agribusiness development, animal welfare

and fisheries management. The candidate must demonstrate proven ability to work as a member of a small high-pressure team with

minimum supervision and to manage multiple demands within a changing environment. The position provides high-level representation

across the agency and whole-of-government initiatives, works directly with clients, senior executives, media, external stakeholders and

the Minister's Office and provides direction to emergency management public information support functions.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Lead and coordinate the department's communications and media functions and develop and implement policies and procedures to

deliver professional services to clients in line with whole-of-government protocols.

2. Provide high-level advice on media, external and internal communications, issues management and emergency management.

3. Provide leadership and direction in the department and liaise with the Minister's office on media and communication issues.

4. Lead major communications and public relations projects, overseeing planning, logistics and resource allocation while managing media,

political and stakeholder considerations in accordance with government strategies, policies and procedures.

5. Build and maintain strong professional networks across the department, public sector, government and industry.

6. Drive the promotion of the department's work and image both internally and externally.

7. Provide high-level representation at a range of inter-agency, whole-of-government and national working groups.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Extensive experience in senior communications management and effective leadership skills demonstrated through having established

and sustained high performing teams.

2. Contemporary knowledge of current and emerging trends in communication, engagement, marketing and media management

(including digital and social media).

3. Superior written and oral communication skills, with the ability to represent the department's interests at all levels in the private and

public sector and identify mutually acceptable solutions in situations of differing interests.

4. Demonstrated expertise in the preparation of high-level papers, including ministerial, briefings, reports, discussion papers, speeches

and statements, submissions and documents for publication.

5. High level strategic, conceptual, analytical and creative skills, including an ability to understand the political, social and organisational

environment to make sound judgements, exercising initiative and displaying sensitivity.

6. Demonstrated capacity to manage a team effectively in a busy work environment with conflicting demands to meet key strategic

priorities, along with public administration, corporate governance and cost centre management requirements.

7. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective networks and collaborative partnerships with a range of internal and external

stakeholders and ability to use personal influence to negotiate successful outcomes.

8. An ability to interact effectively with people of diverse cultures.

Desirable

1. Tertiary or Post-graduate qualifications in Communications, Media Studies, Marketing, Journalism or Public Relations, or similar.

2. Experience in biosecurity, emergency response and multi-jurisdiction public information functions.

Further information

Work outside of normal business hours, particularly during emergency management situations or high-priority media events may be

required.