Director Communications and Media

Job description

Agency Department of the Chief Minister and Work unit Strategic Communications and Engagement

Cabinet

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 17549 RTF Closing 25/09/2025

Contact officer Lisa Sennett 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 leadership and management of staff and oversee the day-to-day implementation of communication plans

and projects, including key government priorities and Emergency Management communications.

Context statement

This role operates in a fast-paced, high-risk communications environment supporting NT Government priorities and

Emergency Management. It requires leading a multidisciplinary team to deliver compliant, evidence-based communications

across media, web and stakeholder channels, with 24/7 issues management as needed. Success depends on strong

relationships with Ministers' offices, agencies and external partners, sound governance and risk practice, and the ability to

plan, execute and evaluate strategic campaigns for politically sensitive, time-critical initiatives.

Key duties and responsibilities

1. Lead and manage the communications team, including development and implementation of policies and procedures to

deliver professional services to clients.

2. Develop strong relationships with relevant media outlets and identify positive media opportunities to promote

government strategies and initiatives.

3. Deliver high-level leadership and advice to Minister's office and senior department staff on internal and external

communications activity including media and issues management direction and planning.

4. Lead the communications function for key government priority projects including providing high-level advice,

implementing communications plans, and evaluating targeted media/website/marketing activities.

5. Lead the Public Information Group responsibilities for NT Emergency Management including delivering high-level

policies, training, and staffing (including roster management and understanding of roles and responsibilities).

1. Build and maintain strong professional networks across the agency, public sector/government, and other stakeholders.
2. Contribute to a culture of excellence with a focus on improving professionalism, accountability and service.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Strong experience in delivering strategic communications that meet contemporary trends, principles and practices.

2. High-level understanding of issues management and public relations principles and practices.

3. Awareness of public administration decision making and, corporate governance requirements.

4. Experience and/or understanding of the strategic direction of Government and the key issues of the agency including

NTG Priority initiatives and the Emergency Operations Centre Public Information (or related areas).

5. Experience delivering contemporary project management methodologies, tools, and processes.

6. Demonstrated ability in effective stakeholder engagement and management in politically sensitive environments.

7. Effective communication, mediation, and negotiation techniques.

8. Experience in risk assessments and the development of mitigation strategies relevant to the work being undertaken.

Desirable

1. Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations and/or other related discipline.

Further information

Applicants for this role must be able to meet the requirements of the Capability and Leadership Framework outlined for this

level.