Strategic Engagement and Communications Officer

The Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) is an independent statutory authority, whose primary function is to regulate members of the teaching profession.

About us

The VIT's vision is to ensure that Victorian learners have the best teachers. All our work focusses on raising the quality of teaching, and providing for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

We are committed to building an inclusive workforce where the full potential of all employees is reached and our differences are embraced. The VIT supports and enables employees to work safely in a discrimination-free environment and enjoy equal opportunities.

By joining the team at VIT, you will work within a friendly, high-performance culture with a focus on people and their development.

Benefits include

• flexible working arrangements
• consultative leadership team who cares about staff, and actively supports career and professional development
• positive and active social culture
• access to a wide variety of leave options and salary packaging arrangements
• strong commitment to equity, including through a comprehensive Gender Equity Action plan
• mental health and wellbeing initiatives
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 'A grade' office building with 4.5-star energy rating and modern end-of-trip facilities - only minutes from Southern Cross station.

Be part of a workforce who share VIT's vision and are committed to contributing to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

Position details

Salary range $106,845 - $129,273 plus statutory super.

Are you ready to shape the future of VIT's strategic engagement? We're on the hunt for a Strategic Engagement and Communications Officer who is not just a communicator – but a connector, a strategist, and a storyteller. If you're passionate about driving meaningful stakeholder relationships, crafting impactful narratives, and influencing change, this is your opportunity.

If you fit this profile, then you could join the dynamic Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Team at VIT with an exciting and challenging mandate to enable quality teaching and provide for the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.

The Strategic Engagement and Communications Officer role offers an outstanding career opportunity for a professional who is passionate about using their expertise to support VIT in its regulation of Victorian teachers. With expert knowledge across the development and implementation of strategic communication plans, media handling strategies, integrated campaigns that influence and engage diverse audiences, and the production of high-quality communication materials, the role will ensure the Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Branch assists VIT to regulate for a qualified, proficient, reputable and safe teaching profession in the public interest.

Be part of a forward-thinking, risk-based regulator where ideas and opinions are valued.

About the role

This role will require you to

• develop and implement strategic communication plans that align with organisational goals
• lead the delivery of VIT's internal and external communications aligned strategic priorities
• deliver integrated campaigns that Influence and engage diverse stakeholders
• draft media materials, public statements, and responses to media enquiries
• build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior executives, government representatives, and community groups
• produce high-quality written materials including speeches, media releases, briefing notes, reports, and digital content. use data and analytics to inform communication strategies
• develop project briefs consistent with business plans and strategic direction
• formulate policy options and advice in area of expertise
• promote VIT's vision, culture and critical activities on varied social media platforms monitor and engage in relevant social discussions about VIT, our stakeholders, and the community contribute positively to a collaborative and respectful team culture
• represent VIT at events as needed
• undertake other duties as directed by Manager Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Branch.

About you

As an experienced strategic engagement and communications officer, you will have sound and practical knowledge of current best practice accessibility standards for digital content creation, exceptional copywriting skills and an approach to your work which ensures inclusive and impactful communication across diverse audiences. You will have experience in leading multi-channel content strategies, managing production for online platforms, and delivering high-quality stakeholder communications, and ideally a passion for child safety and experience working within the education sector or government environments.

You will have strong written communication, stakeholder engagement and project management skills combined with a highly organised approach and a proven track record in brand positioning and integrated communications planning. You thrive in dynamic environments, bring clarity to complexity, and know how to turn insights into action. In addition to this, as the successful candidate, you will have

• demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic communication plans that align with organisational goals. Ability to anticipate communication needs, identify risks and opportunities, and deliver integrated campaigns that influence and engage diverse stakeholders
• proven ability to produce high-quality written materials including speeches, media releases, briefing notes, reports, and digital content. Strong interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences
• experience in managing media relations, including drafting media materials, responding to media enquiries, and building relationships with journalists. Willingness and capacity to develop media management skills further, including crisis communication and proactive media strategies.
• demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior executives, government representatives, and community groups.Experience in tailoring communication approaches to suit different audiences and contexts
• strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment. Experience working both independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams
• familiarity with digital communication tools and platforms, including content creation for websites, social media, and email campaigns. Understanding of analytics and how to use data to inform communication strategies
• ability to demonstrate initiative, respond to change and to adopt a flexible/ innovative approach to problems and opportunities
• commitment to upholding the organisation's values, including integrity, inclusivity, and accountability. Ability to contribute positively to a collaborative and respectful team culture
• tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations or a related discipline or equivalent workplace experience

How to apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter (no more than 2 pages) addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.

To discuss this role further, please contact Manning Fell, Branch Manager, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Team on or by email at

Recruitment and selection process

Our recruitment and selection process is based on the public sector employment principles and will include the following overarching principles

• our decisions will be based on merit - we will assess each applicant's skills, knowledge, attributes and qualifications objectively against the key selection criteria
• we will be fair, reasonable and equitable - we will provide equal employment opportunities
• we will be objective
• we will comply with our privacy obligations during the recruitment and selection process.

During the recruitment and selection process, shortlisted applicants may be asked to submit to various assessment tools and pre-employment screenings. This may include consent to conduct a nationally coordinated criminal history check.

Applications close: 11:59pm 12 October 2025