EL1 Assistant Director, Communications and Marketing

LOCATION: Canberra

TENURE: Ongoing, Non-ongoing (Specified Term)

SYNOPSIS:

About the role

We are recruiting for an Assistant Director (Executive Level 1) to join our Communications and Media Team, with an opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary communications team and to work as part of the wider Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Office, both collaboratively and independently. We are a small team that operates in a dynamic fast paced environment, working together to accomplish key priorities for the ASBFEO. While we don't expect individuals to be an expert in all communications disciplines, we are looking for someone who is willing to use your skills and experience across the team to help shape and inform the work we do.

The purpose of the Communication and Media Team is to provide strategic direction, professional advice and efficient service delivery on a range of internal and external customer facing communication activities including media engagement, communication strategies, social and digital media, digital production/management, event and sponsorship management, marketing and advertising activities, stakeholder engagement, content development, publications and graphic design, brand management and change management activities.

You will have the opportunity to work across a wide range of communication activities, inter-team projects, and across a variety of external stakeholders and suppliers, to bring information, education resources and works of the ASBFEO to life and to shine a light on the small and family business ecosystem.

For this essential role, we are seeking a highly strategic, motivated, adaptable, resilient and collaborative leader who is curious and enjoys solving complex communication problems across a variety of issues affecting small and family businesses. Crucially, our ideal candidate will be able to exercise a considerable degree of autonomy and contribute to team planning and decision making. You will have outstanding people skills and will be committed to nurturing and building positive interpersonal relationships with diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Key duties of the position

• Develop and execute evidence-based strategic communication strategies and plans aligned with ASBFEO's strategic priorities (driving engagement with the ASBFEO and our channels), and monitor and evaluate communication outcomes for continuous improvement.
• Working effectively within a small multi-disciplinary communication team and proactively across the office, to research, review and author high-quality, accessible and fit for purpose content such as digital products, web content, publications, newsletters, reports, educational and informational resources, event collateral, marketing materials, advertising campaigns, stakeholder kits and other public relations activities.
• Collaborate with and support the Advocacy, Assistance and Data Teams with key deliverables including inquiry/referral processes, service promotion and data product launches with through-project engagement, professional advice and assistance in advancing key communications objectives through content development and channel activation in support of the initiative.
• Consult and collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders, including Commonwealth government departments and agencies, state and territory agencies, private enterprises, peak industry bodies and individuals on small business and family enterprise matters.
• Assist in leading and mentoring a small multi-disciplinary communication team, including proactively managing team's work program, taking responsibility for meeting objectives, monitor performance, supporting professional growth and fostering a positive team culture.
• Lead and facilitate agency-wide collaboration on projects/initiatives to improve/enhance/redevelop the agency's web presence and site utility, meeting WCAG2.2 and Digital Service Standard requirements.
• Devise and implement ASBFEO's marketing, advertising and sponsorship program within approved budgets to optimise impact, value and contribution to the agency's key stakeholder relationships, while adhering to Australian Government procurement and government advertising requirements.
• Co-ordinate the cross-agency National Small Business Communications and Media Network, involvement in the Federal Regulatory Agency Group Education and Engagement Network, and other working groups.
• Manage external suppliers and consultants engaged as part of the approved marketing and advertising program and funded outreach activities.
• Event development and delivery through different formats and forums.
• Identify, activate and execute speaking engagements (for the Ombudsman and agency), public appearances, and cross-departmental strategic opportunities.
• Brand development and management; including development of a brand, implementation, and manage the brand of the ASBFEO into the future. This brand management will be accompanied by assisting in the development and delivery of a multi-year business continuity work program.

Skills required

• A team-player who is proactive, flexible and adaptive to changing priorities and a high-paced work environment.
• Strategic thinker with a proven record of supporting multi-disciplinary teams to be a key member of the ASBFEO leadership group.
• Demonstrated ability in providing strategic communication advice on issues and guidance on most appropriate communication approach to individualised projects/activities.
• Ability to exercise judgement, identify risks and uncertainties and account for these in planning and prioritisation of tasks.
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with a talent for generating fresh ideas and seeing them through.
• Excellent research, analytical and problem-solving skills, have knowledge/experience of small and family businesses, and the ability to empathise and quickly understand issues faced by the sector.
• Ability to translate complex ideas and technical policies into compelling content, tailored for a variety of products and channels, and diverse audiences.
• Experience in project, financial, contract management and procurement experience.

Desirable qualifications and experience

Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or a related discipline, and/or demonstrated experience of at least five years in a communications or marketing role is desirable.

An understanding of government and regulatory agencies that work on small and family business policy and programs.

If this resonates with you but you don't think you have all the requirements, consider applying or contacting the contact officer. It is common for people to underestimate their contributions and expertise, particularly in some cohorts.

We have a culture of continuous improvement and learning and welcome your reflection on your skills and are excited to help you grow. We welcome diverse experiences, and you may be just what we are looking for