Speechwriter

The Role
Within the Defence Speechwriting section, speechwriters develop speeches and other leadership communication products for Defence's portfolio Ministers and senior Defence leaders. Speechwriting involves preparing outlines, coordinating requests for content, primary and secondary source research, drafting, editing, fact checking and clearing. As part of the Defence Speechwriting team, speechwriters write on a variety of portfolio, corporate and public interest issues and are responsible for developing informed, intelligible, persuasive and engaging narratives which consider and draw together the policy, strategic, international, media, public and historical contexts. Speechwriters work closely with Ministerial offices, the Offices of the Secretary and Chief of the Defence Force, and Senior Executive and Star Rank Officers across the Defence organisation on speech objectives, content and message development.

About our Team
The Media and Information Disclosure Branch is responsible for day-to-day media operations across Defence. The branch brings together media, news, Freedom of Information and speechwriting functions to ensure the department's messaging is clear, consistent and up to the expected standards. The Branch affords employees opportunities to gain a wide-ranging understanding of the Department and ADF's work, to build networks across the Defence enterprise, to develop an awareness of ministerial and executive priorities, and to increase knowledge of defence issues, which affect the Australian public and are reported on by the media.

Defence Speechwriting is a small and busy team with responsibility for researching and drafting short and long form speeches and other leadership communication products. The team contributes to shaping messages and developing Defence's public narrative in accordance with ministerial and executive communication priorities and objectives.

Our Ideal Candidate
Speechwriters require advanced writing, editorial, research and analytical skills. The role requires high attention to detail and a strong strategic and critical thinking mindset. Experience in writing speeches for ministers and senior leaders will be looked upon favourably. Speechwriters are expected to develop and maintain familiarity with Defence strategies, plans and briefs as well as media coverage, leaders' remarks, publications and research. To support speech development, speechwriters must be able to build relationships to leverage the subject matter expertise that resides in Defence's Groups and Services in relation to policies, programs, initiatives and operational activities.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated capacity to reconcile subject matter experts' advice with rhetorical and editorial imperatives and the requirements of principal speakers. Speechwriters within Defence work both as part of a writers' room collaborative model and independently. The successful candidate will be willing to work occasionally outside standard hours as necessitated by speechwriting requests.

Security Clearance:
Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at "Negative Vetting Level 1".

The Department of Defence employs around 18,000 Australian Public Service (APS) employees. Defence APS employees work in a wide variety of critical roles, Australia wide, enabling our three services Navy, Army and Air Force, to do their job. Defence has a range of Australian Public Service (APS) career opportunities that offer interesting, challenging, and unique work. Our workforce includes administrative support, accountants, intelligence analysts, engineers, policy advisors, graphic designers, lawyers, social workers, IT specialists and contract managers to name a few. We offer a rewarding career that includes professional development, work-life balance, recognition, a flexible and supportive work environment and a diverse workforce. To find out more about a career with Defence please visit