Communications Team
The Communications Team delivers a broad range of strategic and operational communications services. This includes, but is not limited to, communications strategy and planning; corporate and operational communications across multiple channels; channel governance and management; brand development and stewardship; strategic reporting; traditional and social media engagement; website and intranet management; design and creative services; development of collateral; event support; marketing activities; and reputational risk management.
Our primary purpose is to educate and inform stakeholders, while protecting and enhancing the reputation of the Courts and Tribunals as trusted, independent and respected institutions through clear, consistent and well‑governed communication.
Position Overview
The EL1 Strategic Communications Manager is responsible for leading the development, coordination and delivery of strategic communications that support organisational priorities, corporate governance obligations and reputation management.
The role combines strategic communications leadership, high‑level writing and editorial expertise, and sophisticated project management, with particular responsibility for the end‑to‑end delivery of the Entity’s Corporate Plan and Annual Report. These flagship publications require strong narrative capability, disciplined planning, and the ability to synthesise complex information into clear, authoritative products for senior leaders, government and the public.
Duties and responsibilities
* Lead the strategic development, content authoring and end‑to‑end production of the Federal Court of Australia Listed Entity Corporate Plan and Annual Report, including stakeholder engagement, governance processes, approvals and delivery to statutory timeframes.
* Lead project and contractor management for the production of the Federal Court of Australia, Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and National Native Title Tribunal Annual Reports, working in close partnership with nominated Communications leads.
* Work collaboratively with senior communications staff to develop, implement and evaluate communication strategies and plans that support organisational objectives and reputational outcomes.
* Provide high‑quality report writing, strategic content, planning input and executive briefings as required.
* Develop, maintain and monitor a comprehensive communications project timeline, in collaboration with senior communications colleagues, to ensure coordinated delivery of priorities across the function.
* Provide creative direction and quality assurance for graphic design outputs, including corporate publications, infographics, social media assets, presentations and campaign materials, ensuring consistency with brand and accessibility standards.
* Build and manage effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external contractors, facilitating collaboration, issue resolution and timely delivery of outputs.
* Oversee and manage procurement activities on behalf of the Communications function, ensuring compliance with relevant legislative, policy and governance requirements.
Selection Criteria
* Demonstrated experience leading and managing the end‑to‑end production of Annual Reports, from planning and coordination through to clearance and submission, within complex organisations (experience in the Australian Public Service or State Government is highly regarded).
* Exceptional written communication skills across multiple formats, including corporate reporting, strategic documents, digital content, copywriting and social media, with the ability to translate complex and technical information into clear, engaging and authoritative content.
* Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and advanced project management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality outcomes within tight timeframes.
* Proven capability to develop and implement strategic communication plans aligned to organisational objectives and stakeholder needs.
* A collaborative and inclusive team player with demonstrated staff leadership and people management experience.
* Strong track record in building and managing complex relationships, and influencing outcomes across diverse internal and external stakeholder groups.
* Outstanding stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, including the ability to work effectively and confidently with senior executives.
* Experience working in or with government, including a sound understanding of APS Values, governance requirements and communication protocols, is highly desirable.
Mandatory or desirable qualifications
* Degree in Communications, Marketing, International Relations or Public Policy and Governance.
* Project Management qualifications will be highly regarded.
* Significant experience working in State or Federal government or complex organisations.
Eligibility
Employment with the Court is subject to the conditions prescribed in the Public Service Act 1999, and the following:
* Australian citizenship – the successful applicant must hold Australian citizenship.
* Security and character clearance – the successful applicant must satisfy a Police Records Check and may also be required to complete security clearances during the course of their employment.
* Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.
Interested candidates who have received a redundancy benefit from an APS agency are welcome to apply but note that they cannot be engaged until their redundancy benefit period has expired.
Diversity and Inclusion
Federal Court Australia is committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce and welcomes and encourages applications from People with Disability.
First Nations peoples, LGBTIQA+ people, people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, Mature age workers, as well as young workers and supporting an inter-generational workforce and supporting gender equity and families.
Federal Court Australia will provide reasonable adjustments for candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process and discuss workplace adjustments to fulfil the inherent requirements of the role.
RecruitAbility
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability
Contact officer
For more information, please contact Abbi Clifford Director Communications via email *************@fedcourt.gov.au.
How to apply
To apply for this position please click on the “apply now” button on the Federal Court’s Careers Portal Federal Court of Australia Jobs - Jobs List
To be considered for the role you will need to upload your CV and a design portfolio that includes a short written narrative about each campaign or design that outlines:
* The key stakeholders, how the brief was generated and how the output aligns with the brief.
* Your role in the project including, creative leadership, client management, and client presentations and approvals.
* The success of the project – what did you learn and what would you do differently?
Prior to preparing your portfolio, it is recommended you review the EL 1 Work Level Standards. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.
If you have any issues with applying, please email ***********@fedcourt.gov.au.
Applications close: Wednesday, 29 April 2026 at 11:30 pm (AEST)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.