Senior Engagement and Communications Officer

• Lead the development and implementation of the Stolen Generations Reparations Engagement and Communications Strategy
• Fixed term, full time until 30 June 2027
• VPS 5: $113,022 - $136,747 plus superannuation

The Department of Justice and Community Safety (the department) is seeking a Senior Engagement and Communications Officer, to provide a critical role within Stolen Generations Reparations Unit.

This is a prioritised role for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, who will be given priority consideration as per the special measures provision of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

About the Business Unit

The Aboriginal Justice group of the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) is committed to driving systemic change in the justice system, to connect, support and deliver better outcomes for the Aboriginal community. The group works in partnership with Traditional Owners and the Victorian Aboriginal community to embed the principles of self-determination in the justice sector.

The Stolen Generations Reparations Unit (SGRU) sits within the Aboriginal Justice Group and was established in January 2022 to deliver the Stolen Generations Reparations Package (Package) in Victoria. The team is committed to delivering a reparations process that is fully supported, accessible, transparent and trauma informed.

About the role:

The Senior Engagement and Communications Officer, reports to the Manager, Policy, Strategy and Operations and is responsible for developing and implementing the Stolen Generations reparations Engagement and Communications strategy.

The role works closely with the DJCS Strategic Communications Branch, to create communications products to support the success of the Stolen Generations Reparations Package. The role also ensures a holistic engagement approach is adopted for key support services and recordkeeping agencies across the Unit. As the Senior Engagement and Communications Officer, you will require strong communication skills and demonstrated experience of working with the Aboriginal community, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, across the Victorian Public Service, and sector support services.

Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Provide expert advice and support on engagement and communications to management and team members.
• Work collaboratively and manage strategic relationships with existing, new and emerging partners that extend to but limited to the Aboriginal community, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Government Agencies and sector support services.
• Provide high quality advice to support internal stakeholders to effectively communicate and engage in tailored ways with a diverse range of stakeholders, including community.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with the Victorian Aboriginal community.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Aboriginal community, both society and culture, and the issues impacting it.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex engagement and communication projects within governments, including the use of procurement and contract management policies and procedures, preferably projects relating to the establishment, or transformation of organisations or establishment of redress schemes.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement principles, such as the IAP2 framework, and delivering sophisticated and culturally aware stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in marketing, communications, social science, business or other relevant discipline would be desirable.

Aboriginal applicants are welcome to utilise support from the Aboriginal Recruitment Team throughout the recruitment process and are encouraged to contact if they would like cultural support and guidance through the application process.

For Aboriginal Designated and Prioritised positions, a Certificate of Aboriginality (CoA) will be required prior to an offer of employment being made.

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

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.