Assistant Director, Strategic Communications

EL1 Assistant Director | Strategic Communications
Sydney | Full-Time | Federal Government 

We are seeking an experienced communications professional to join a high-profile federal government organisation in a strategic leadership role. This position offers the opportunity to shape communications strategy, provide advice to senior stakeholders, and deliver high-impact engagement initiatives that support government priorities.

As an EL1 Assistant Director, you will lead strategic communications activities, oversee major campaigns and events, manage digital and media engagement, and build strong relationships across government, industry and community stakeholders. Working in a complex and fast-paced environment, you will combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery to enhance organisational profile, drive stakeholder engagement and support key policy objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of strategic communications plans.

• Provide high-level communications advice to senior executives and key stakeholders.

• Drive engagement strategies that support organisational and government priorities.

• Deliver high-profile communication campaigns, events and stakeholder initiatives.

• Manage digital communication channels and content strategies.

• Build and maintain productive relationships across government, industry and community sectors.

• Oversee external suppliers and communication-related contracts.

• Develop communication products including speeches, briefings, media materials and stakeholder messaging.

• Identify and manage reputational and communication risks.

• Monitor and evaluate communication outcomes to support continuous improvement.

About You

You are a strategic communications professional with a strong track record operating within complex government, public sector or policy-driven environments.  

You bring: 

• Experience leading strategic communication programs and stakeholder engagement initiatives.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong stakeholder management capability, with experience engaging senior executives, ministerial offices and government stakeholders.

• Sound judgement and the ability to navigate sensitive issues and competing priorities.

• Experience managing projects from concept through to delivery and evaluation.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• The ability to work autonomously while contributing to broader organisational objectives.

• Chinese (Mandarin) language skills and an understanding of Chinese-language media or multicultural stakeholder engagement would be highly advantageous but are not essential.

Desired Experience

• Communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement or corporate affairs experience within government or a closely related environment.

• Experience supporting ministerial, executive or senior leadership engagement activities.

• Understanding of government decision-making processes and strategic communications frameworks.

• Experience managing high-profile events, campaigns or public engagement activities.

• Experience engaging with culturally and linguistically diverse audiences and external stakeholder groups.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to influence communications outcomes at a national level.

• Exposure to senior government stakeholders and decision-makers.

• Diverse and strategically focused portfolio of work.

• Competitive EL1 remuneration package.

• Section 26 transfer available.

• Sydney-based role with potential travel opportunities.

If you are a strategic communications professional looking to make an impact within a high-profile federal government environment and enjoy working at the intersection of communications, stakeholder engagement and public policy, we would love to hear from you.  

Apply now or contact Mary on [02 9250 8129](tel:02 9250 8129) for a confidential discussion.

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