Associate Director, Strategic Communications

Premier's Department

Associate Director, Strategic Communications

You. At the centre of big ideas.

• Lead high-impact communications across government priorities
• Seeking strategic, collaborative, and influential communications expertise
• Ongoing Clerk Grade 11/12 ($149,739 - $173,174) role based in Martin Place, Sydney CBD.

About the Role

As Associate Director, Strategic Communications, you will lead a high-performing team to develop and deliver integrated communications strategies across a range of channels that support NSW Government priorities. Working with stakeholders across the Premier's Department, The Cabinet Office and the broader sector, you'll support complex, high-profile initiatives using strategic communications, project management, and problem-solving expertise. You'll build strong relationships, foster collaboration and lead an agile, solutions-focused team to deliver impactful communications from the heart of government.

You will join our Strategic Communications and Engagement team within the Community Engagement branch in the Delivery and Engagement Group. This branch plays a critical role in coordinating All-of-Government communications, delivering high-quality engagement with internal and external stakeholders, and supporting NSW Government initiatives that impact communities across the state.

To learn more about the role please review the Role Description.

You. Our ideal candidate.

• Strategic Communication: Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate integrated communications strategies for complex, cross-agency initiatives. Experience in delivering government or large-scale public sector communications that align with organisational priorities and maximise impact across multiple channels.
• Influence and Stakeholder Engagement: Proven experience building strong relationships and negotiating with senior executives, internal teams, and external stakeholders to achieve consensus and drive sector-wide outcomes. Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and communicate persuasively to achieve "win-win" results.
• Leadership and People Management: Experience leading, coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams. Ability to define roles and responsibilities, set clear performance expectations, and manage individual and team outcomes while fostering a positive and inclusive team culture
• Project Management: Strong capability in planning, coordinating, and delivering multiple, simultaneous projects with complex interdependencies. Demonstrated experience in developing business cases, monitoring progress against timelines and budgets, and managing risk and change effectively.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving: Skilled in gathering, interpreting, and applying data and insights to inform strategic communications decisions. Ability to anticipate challenges, identify practical solutions, and implement evidence-based approaches to improve outcomes and sector-wide practices
• Customer-Focused Approach: Committed to designing and delivering high-quality, user-centric communications that meet stakeholder needs. Experience using research, feedback, and evaluation to enhance engagement, improve services, and ensure clarity, consistency, and accessibility of messaging.
• Qualifications and Experience: Tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations, media, or a related field, or demonstrated equivalent professional experience. Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary communication methods, channels, and best practices in the public sector.

We know the value of diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure if you meet all the requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements.
• Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert-led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities.
• Work-Life Balance: Flex time accrual for extra hours worked (for non-executive roles) based on a 35-hour standard week.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness passport program, and wellbeing initiatives.
• Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network.

About the Premier's Department

Connecting to Deliver from the Heart of Government

The Premier's Department leads the state's 430,000 public servants, driving collaboration and the delivery of whole-of-government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at Premier's Department.

Our Commitment

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.

The Premier's Department acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.

How to Apply

Click 'Apply Online' and submit your application including:

• A resume detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
• A cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements and focus capabilities of the role (maximum 2 pages)

Closing date: Thursday, 21st August :59 AM)

Salary: Clerk Grade 11/12. Package includes base salary ($149,739 - $173,174) plus superannuation (12%) and leave loading.

Learn more: For enquiries, please contact the hiring manager, Lauren Smith, Director, Delivery and Engagement, Community Engagement Stakeholder Communications on

Additional Information

Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating in pre-screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at , or reaching out to the hiring manager.

Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.