Geoscience Australia is an Australian Government listed entity within the Industry, Science and Resources Portfolio.
Geoscience Australia is Australia's pre-eminent public sector geoscience organisation. We are the nation's trusted advisor on the geology and geography of Australia. We apply science and technology to describe and understand the Earth for the benefit of Australia. We apply our diverse professional expertise, our deep and trusted knowledge, our national-scale Earth observation infrastructure and our strong partnerships, to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation.
We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged.
We are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offer a flexible and diverse workplace.
The key duties of the position include:
The Strategic Advisor, Executive Communications is a senior role within the Enabling Services Division that supports the Executive and CEO by strengthening Executive communication effectiveness and coordinating high priority communication initiatives in partnership with the Communications functions. This includes facilitating cross-divisional collaboration, supporting central coordination on organisation-wide initiatives and enabling early coordination of priority initiatives in partnership with the Communications functions.
Operating with a high degree of autonomy and judgement, the role provides dedicated capacity to support the prioritisation, coordination and stewardship of high priority Executive communication initiatives, while supporting the quality, consistency and strategic alignment of key Executive communication products. The role provides expert communication advice to the Executive and Communication Directors and works in close partnership with the broader Communications functions to maintain alignment across the organisation, while operating through established Communications governance, capability and delivery arrangements.
In this role, you will:
* Provide strategic communication advice to the Executive and Communication Directors on complex, sensitive and high-profile issues, including during periods of change and major program delivery.
* Lead cross-functional tiger teams to coordinate high priority communication activity that aligns with organisational priorities and Executive direction, working with the Communications functions and other relevant business areas for delivery.
* Apply hands-on expertise to support the coordination and development of high-quality Executive communication products at pace, particularly for time sensitive and strategically significant initiatives, in partnership with Communications teams responsible for delivery.
* Develop tailored communication products for the Executive, including speeches, presentations, key messages and speaking materials that strengthen Executive presence and impact.
* Support consistent internal and external messaging that reflects the Executive’s voice and supports staff engagement, stakeholder trust and leadership visibility, in alignment with enterprise narrative and Communications priorities.
* Provide expert advice on communication risks and opportunities, ensuring messaging is timely, accurate and reputationally sound.
* Contribute to the quality and strategic alignment of key Executive communication products through early advice, coordination and collaboration with the Communications functions.
* Work in close partnership with the Communications functions to align messaging and activity, operating through established Communications planning, governance and delivery mechanisms.
* Work through Communications Directors to support prioritisation, coordination and escalation of Executive communication priorities across the broader Communications functions, maintaining clear accountabilities and coherent tasking.
* Engage and influence senior stakeholders and subject matter experts to deliver coordinated, evidence-based communication outcomes.
* Identify and support opportunities to streamline executive communication processes, implement digital-first ways of working, and improve collaboration and engagement across the organisation.
* Exercise sound judgement and discretion in managing sensitive and high-risk matters.
Our Ideal Candidate
To be successful in the role you will:
* Be forward-thinking, innovative, self-motivated, passionate, collaborative and resourceful.
* Demonstrate resilience and strong relationship-building skills in diverse environments, with the ability to engender trust, respect, and serve as a positive role model.
* Possess high-level leadership credentials, including intellectual leadership, superior stakeholder management skills, sound judgement and a strong focus on results and accountability.
* Excel at solving complex challenges and being a trusted advisor who delivers practical, lasting solutions through collaboration, influence and effective coordination across functions.
Demonstrating success
To be successful in this role, you will have the ability to:
* Champion organisational change initiatives, anticipate emerging trends and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
* Lead with visibility and authenticity, supporting a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.
* Translate strategic direction into practical action, maintaining flexibility in times of uncertainty.
* Assess and manage risk effectively, focusing on activities that strengthen long-term organisational performance.
* Communicate with influence, negotiate outcomes and cultivate productive stakeholder relationships.
* Uphold the APS Values and integrate them into everyday practices and decision-making.
Required skills, knowledge, experience and/or qualifications
* Formal tertiary qualifications in communication or a related field are desirable.
* Demonstrated experience in professional or administrative management of large, fast-paced, and highly complex work is desirable.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills, including speech writing and strong representational and liaison abilities, are desirable.
* Experience working to a Senior Executive within the public service and partnering effectively with corporate Communications functions in complex organisational environments.
To Apply
Please visit the careers page of our website to submit your application via our e-Recruit system.
Your application should include a curriculum vitae and a statement of claims (a pitch of approximately 750 words) drawing out why you are interested in the role, what you offer our organisation, how you would contribute to the success of our Shaping our Future Strategy 2036, your skill set, relevant career history and achievements, and your leadership attributes.
In preparing your application you should consider the Integrated Leadership System for EL2 that is available online.
Position contact: Charlie Middleton, Chief People Officer, (02) 6249 9***, ***************@ga.gov.au.
Eligibility
To be eligible for this position you must be an Australian Citizen at the closing date of application.
The successful applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level.
Commencement of employment is subject to the successful applicant undergoing and satisfying a police history check.
Notes
If you require technical assistance, call our Recruitment team on (02) 6249 9*** or email ***********@ga.gov.au.
A merit list/pool may be created from this process. If you are successful for the merit pool, your details may be shared with other Australian Public Service agencies unless you choose not to have your details disclosed.
Getting to know the Geoscience Australia
Geoscience Australia is an Australian Government listed entity within the Industry, Innovation and Science portfolio. Geoscience Australia is Australia's pre-eminent public sector geoscience organisation. We are the nation's trusted advisor on the geology and geography of Australia. We apply science and technology to describe and understand the Earth for the benefit of Australia. We apply our diverse professional expertise, our deep and trusted knowledge, our national-scale Earth observation infrastructure and our strong partnerships, to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged. We are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offer a flexible and diverse workplace.