Senior Communications and Engagement Officer

• Utilise your expertise to influence the engagement methodology within Tobacco Licensing Victoria
• Ongoing Full-Time opportunity to work with a high-performing and passionate team.
• VPS Grade 5: $113,022 - $136,747 plus superannuation.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is seeking a Senior Communications and Engagement Officer to provide a critical role within the Tobacco Licensing Victoria (TLV).

About the Business Unit

The Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) provides a range of government programs and services focused on improving community safety, victim services, regulatory services and crime prevention, and building strong collaboration across the justice system. Located in the Integrity, Regulation and Legal Services (IRLS) group, TLV has been established to deliver the Government's commitment to implement a tobacco regulation and licensing scheme.

Following the passage of the Tobacco Amendment (Tobacco Retailer and Wholesaler Licensing Scheme) Act (Act) in November 2024, Victoria is implementing a tobacco business licensing scheme and regulator to strengthen tobacco regulation. Since 1 July 2025, tobacco retailers and wholesalers can apply for a licence to sell tobacco products, improving oversight and compliance. Additional functions under the Act, including enforcement and broader regulatory powers, will come into effect in February

About the Role

Reporting to the Principal Adviser, Engagement the Senior Communications and Engagement Officer will contribute expertise to foster strategic stakeholder relationships and enhance communication efforts to support the implementation of the tobacco regulator and licensing scheme, including:

• developing and implementing engagement and communication strategies
• preparing key project, communication and education materials
• providing sound advice in relation to stakeholder needs, risks and issues
• liaising with various internal and external stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of project outcomes and ongoing education in relation to the scheme.

Core to being successful in this role will be your ability to understand new subject matter quickly, demonstrate appropriate initiative, and your capacity to write accurate, timely and audience-appropriate documents and briefings.

As the Senior Engagement Officer, some of your duties will include:

• Contribute to the establishment of effective engagement and communication strategies to deliver strong project and community/stakeholder outcomes.
• Provide considered, informed and authoritative advice to senior managers and executives, including preparation of briefings, issues papers and presentations to support the delivery of project priorities.

To learn more about this role before applying, please read the attached position description.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Experience in developing and implementing engagement and communication strategies in a public sector setting.
• Experience in translating policy initiatives into practical engagement strategies and communication materials that will resonate with a variety of stakeholder audiences.
• Knowledge of and/or experience in Victorian government administrative processes, including Cabinet and legislative processes (or the ability to understand these quickly).

Qualifications

• Relevant experience and/or a tertiary qualification in communications, engagement, public policy or other relevant discipline.

How to Apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

CHILD SAFE STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT:

The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity, and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.