Assistant Director, Media and Communications, Defence and Veterans' Service Commission

• Ongoing & Non-ongoing a period up to 24 months
• Executive Level 1 ($126,342 - $143,993) plus 15.4% superannuation
• Canberra, ACT
• Location: Canberra, ACT
• Application Closing Date: Sunday 26 October 2025 at 11:30pm AEDT

Classification
Executive Level 1 ($126,342 - $143,993)

Employment Type
Ongoing & Non-ongoing (for a period up to 24 months)

This role is being advertised as both ongoing and non-ongoing, with the employment type to be determined in negotiation with the preferred candidate and the PM&C delegate.

Where a non-ongoing specified term is offered, this would be for a maximum period of two (2) years. If the initial contract is for less than 2 years, it may be extended or renewed once, up to the 2 year limit.

A non-ongoing offer may result in conversion to an ongoing offer of employment, however this must occur within 18 months from the opening date of this advertisement.

Flexible Work
At PM&C we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. We consider flexibility first from a starting position of 'how can we make this work?' and consider individual circumstances and operational requirements in making genuine attempts to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you, such as part time work, variable start and finish times or working from home.

About The Defence And Veterans' Service Commission
The Defence and Veterans' Service Commission (DVSC) provides independent oversight and evidence-based advice to government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.

The Australian Government established the DVSC as a new Non-corporate Commonwealth Entity (NCE) on 29 September 2025 in response to the key recommendation of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

Key functions of the DVSC include: monitoring, inquiring and reporting on issues relevant to suicide and suicidality for serving and ex-serving ADF members; monitoring, inquiring and reporting on the implementation of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission, improving supports for serving and ex-serving ADF members, working with coroners to understand issues contributing to Defence and veteran deaths by suicide, and promoting an understanding of suicide risks and wellbeing for Defence members and veterans, including through engaging with people with lived experience.

Working at the DVSC
As a new agency, the DVSC is now recruiting staff and capabilities and will continue to do so over the coming year. You have an opportunity to join us now where your expertise can help influence and shape our strategy in support of the Commissioner's independent oversight of wide-ranging reforms across the Defence and veteran ecosystem.

We are looking to recruit high performing and dedicated staff with a range of capabilities, who demonstrate integrity, independence and compassion.

A key focus of the DVSC's work is the prevention of suicide and suicidality. While the DVSC has a proactive wellbeing program, applicants are encouraged to consider their personal circumstances when applying for this role. Applicants can familiarise themselves with the findings and recommendations of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide for further information.

About The Role
We are seeking an experienced Media and Communications Officer to support the DVSC's public engagement and communication activities. Located in the Oversight and Engagement branch of the DVSC, and reporting to the Director, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement, the Assistant Director will operate under broad direction to manage media enquiries, deliver communications strategies and products, and promote the work of the DVSC.

Duties
The Assistant Director will have the ability to communicate accurate, evidence-based information, with an understanding of trauma-informed communication and engagement principles. They will connect stakeholders with the work of the DVSC and support the Commissioner's functions, including promoting an understanding of suicide prevention and wellbeing for ADF members and veterans. Duties include:

• Manage media engagement, including media requests/enquiries, and undertake proactive media engagement as required;
• Lead the development and delivery of strategic communication plans aligned with DVSC objectives;
• Monitor, analyse and report on media coverage and stakeholder sentiment;
• Create, and oversee the creation of high-quality content for multiple channels, including media releases, speeches, social media, and the DVSC website;
• Assist in leading a small team responsible for the stakeholder contact function, including liaising with senior leaders on matters requiring escalation;
• Support media and communications requirements at DVSC external engagements or events; and
• Ensure DVSC communications meet content and accessibility standards.

Our ideal candidate
We are looking for a motivated and professional Assistant Director with:

• Strong understanding of the Australian media landscape and the ability to understand APS communications protocols;
• Proven ability to translate complex policy or technical information into clear, accessible language tailored to audience needs across different channels;
• Excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills in a media and communications context;
• Experience in managing competing priorities, in a fast-paced environment;
• Commitment to the APS Code of Conduct and APS Values, and to maintaining the DVSC's independence, impartiality and professionalism at all times;
• Capability to appropriately engage with and communicate content around Defence and veteran suicide and suicidality; and
• Excellent interpersonal and engagement skills, with the flexibility to work collaboratively within a small agency and with external stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the DVSC.

Qualifications / Experience
The following is
required
:

• Relevant Tertiary qualifications, or equivalent professional experience, in media management, communication, digital communications, marketing, public relations or related areas.

The Following Will Be Highly Regarded

• Experience in a media and communications role within government.
• Media production and graphic design experience.

Flexible Work
At PM&C we recognise the broad benefits of offering flexibility in how, when and where work is performed. We consider flexibility first from a starting position of 'how can we make this work?' and consider individual circumstances and operational requirements in making genuine attempts to establish mutually beneficial arrangements. Please reach out to the contact officer if you would like to explore what flexibility might look like for you, such as part time work, variable start and finish times or working from home.

Eligibility

• Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999 , employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the APS unless the Agency Head has agreed otherwise, in writing. At PM&C to be eligible for this position you should be an Australian Citizen by the completion of the recruitment process , except under exceptional circumstances.
• The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance, or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
• The successful candidate will be assessed through our pre-employment screening checks, such as an Australian Criminal History Check, and will normally be subject to a six-month probation period if new to the APS or has not yet completed their probation period elsewhere in the APS.

Security Clearance Required
Baseline Vetting (Protected)

How To Apply
If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, we want to hear from you Submit an online application through the Apply link by
11:30pm AEDT on Sunday 26 October.