Executive Director, Communication and Events
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About the Department
The Department of Education plays a central role in shaping the future of Queensland by delivering inclusive, high-quality education from early childhood through to adulthood. With a vision of equity and excellence, the department empowers every learner to reach their potential through responsive services, impactful policy, and community partnerships. Guided by a commitment to human rights and public value, the department supports strong starts for children, lifelong learning, and a capable, future-focused workforce.
About the Role
As Executive Director, Communication and Events, you will lead a high-impact, integrated communication, engagement and event portfolio within the Early Childhood, Regulation and Communication Division.
Reporting to the Deputy Director-General, you will drive system-wide strategies across media, marketing, public affairs, social media, campaign delivery and event programming. You will ensure clear, trusted and inclusive messaging during moments that matter – from policy reforms and major campaigns to crisis and emergency response.
As a key advisor to the Director-General and Ministerial Office, you will provide strategic insight and leadership in shaping the department's public voice and protecting its reputation. To support you on your mandate, you will lead four Directors and their multidisciplinary teams, and be accountable for fostering a culture of innovation, agility, capability uplift and shared purpose.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the development and execution of internal and external communication strategies that are aligned with departmental and whole-of-government priorities.
* Oversee major state-wide public events and campaigns that elevate community confidence and engagement.
* Provide proactive and strategic media advice, issues management, speechwriting, and public messaging support to senior executives and ministerial offices.
* Drive strategic partnerships, sponsorship arrangements and public-facing initiatives that amplify impact and create return on investment.
* Represent the department in cross-government forums and public sector networks.
* Champion crisis communication readiness and lead emergency response messaging during times of disruption or uncertainty.
* Build a collaborative, high-performing culture of strategic thinking, continuous learning, and professional excellence.
About You
You are a seasoned communication leader with a track record of impact in large, complex environments. You combine sharp strategic thinking and creative insight with a deep understanding of public value and political savvy. You are known for your ability to inspire others, work at pace, and provide clarity in complexity. As a natural relationship builder, you understand how to strike a balance between diplomacy and decisiveness and lead through influence across government, media, and community sectors.
To be successful in this role, you must be able to demonstrate:
* Deep expertise in strategic communication, media and stakeholder engagement at senior executive and ministerial levels across the public, private and/or not-for-profit sector
* Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects, integrated campaigns and large-scale public events
* A collaborative and confident leadership style, with integrity, courage and track record as an agent of change
* Success in building and sustaining high-performing teams and cultivating inclusive, values-driven cultures
* A strong commitment to the values of equity, excellence, and public service
This role is banded at SES2H and offers a total salary package of up to $ $268,888, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
If you're a strategic communications leader who thrives in complex, political settings, this is your chance to lead change that matters, we encourage you to apply.
Please visit the detailed candidate page for further information and to apply: www.luminarypartners.com.au/education
Confidential inquiries to Bruno Costa, Associate, Luminary, on 0493 249 283 or via email bruno.costa@luminarypartners.com.au ,
or, Jane Ellis, Managing Partner, Luminary, on 0411 600 129 or via email jane.ellis@luminarypartners.com.au
General inquiries to luminary@luminarypartners.com.au
Applications close: Midnight, Tuesday, 22 July 2025
Luminary is committed to storing and utilising your information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988. For further information regarding this please visit: https://www.luminarypartners.com.au/privacy-policy
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