Director, Communications

Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time

Salary: $225,000 - $290,600

Grade: VPS SES1

Occupation: Leadership and management

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/760125

The Social Services Regulator is committed to strengthening protections and rights of vulnerable Victorians accessing social services.

The Social Services Regulator is a statutory authority that was established under the Social Services Regulations Act 2021 (the Act). The Act gives effect to a comprehensive new regulatory scheme that aims to keep Victoria's social service users safe from harms such as abuse and neglect.

The purpose of the scheme is to:

• support the safe delivery of social services

• embed a new set of Social Service standards for all service providers

• ensure service providers understand their role in protecting the rights of social service users

• define roles and responsibilities of service providers

• give the Regulator monitoring and enforcement powers to respond to risks of harm

• improve information sharing between regulators so they can identify and respond to risks of harm

• replace the framework previously overseen by the Human Services Regulator.

The scheme applies to prescribed services set out in the Social Services Regulations 2023 (Regulations). They include:

• Child protection services

• Community based child and family services

• Disability services

• Family violence services

• Homelessness services

• Out of home care services

• Secure welfare services

• Sexual assault services

• Supported residential services.

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Director, Communications is responsible for leading the Social Services Regulator's (the SSR) diverse and complex strategic communications function. The role leads a high performing team to deliver the strategic planning, delivery and oversight of integrated communications that support the SSR and its staff to deliver on priority initiatives, campaigns, projects and events.

In August 2025, the Victorian Government committed to significant reform relative to Child Safety. The role will oversee complex communications activities associated with the implementation of reform, including strategic communications, sector engagement and internal communications.

The role oversees the planning, coordination and implementation of priority strategic communications, media management, organisational change, stakeholder engagement and the delivery of key internal and external events. The Director Communications plays a lead role in building relationships with the SSR, Ministerial offices, internal program areas, key external stakeholders and across government. As an executive-level leader within the SSR, you will apply your communications expertise and insight to identify emergent risks and issues and collaborate to ensure a consistent, integrated and innovative approach to communications, content and creative development.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Oversee complex communications activities relative to the implementation of Child Safety Reforms and business-as-usual activities at the SSR.
• Oversee the development and implementation of contemporary and integrated strategic communications plans that leverage the full functional capability of the SSR and align to ministerial requirements and the SSR's strategy.
• Lead, build and maintain positive and productive relationships with Ministerial Office staff and senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute expertise and insight, providing advice and guidance to the SSR and business units on emergent issues, risks and ministerial priorities.
• Provide strategic thinking and future planning and oversee change management initiatives and integrated approaches to enhance compliance with SSR-wide policies.

Please open the position description to read more.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.

Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please contact

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.

Applications close Wednesday 24 September 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted

10 September 2025