About the National Emergency Management Agency
HorizonOne is proud to be partnering with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) — the federal agency responsible for leading Australia's whole-of-nation approach to emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
NEMA plays a vital role in managing and coordinating national efforts to address complex domestic and international challenges, including supply chain disruptions, critical infrastructure outages, biosecurity threats, and large-scale cyber incidents. The Agency also has a strong focus on disaster risk reduction and preparedness to ensure that Australian communities are as safe and ready as they can be, and supported through recovery when disasters do strike.
The Opportunity
As the EL1 Strategic Communications Manager, you'll take a strategic lead across high-profile accounts which will see you supporting programs such as the national preparedness program, national emergency management stockpile, national messaging system, national coordination mechanism, and high-risk weather initiatives.
You'll work closely with program areas, providing expert advice and driving communications for major projects like the stakeholder newsletters and information kits.
This role offers the perfect blend of strategic projects, collaborative account management, and innovative communications, with room to shape how NEMA engages stakeholders and tells its story.
You'll lead a small team, rotate across diverse projects, and deliver tangible, impactful outputs that make a difference.
The Role
* Lead a team of communications specialists, managing workflow and ensuring high-quality outputs are delivered on time
* Manage own workload while supporting team members to achieve shared goals
* Oversee the development and implementation of communication strategies and materials, delivering impactful outcomes within tight deadlines
* Write, edit, and review a wide range of communication materials to a high standard
* Engage and collaborate with team members and senior stakeholders to understand challenges and develop effective communication solutions
* Provide clear, strategic communication advice and support with minimal direction, including during fast-paced or crisis situations
The Ideal Person
You will be a skilled and collaborative Assistant Director with demonstrated experience at the EL1 level within the APS, coupled with practical communications expertise.
You will also have the following:
* Extensive experience in strategic communications and engagement, particularly within government contexts
* Proven ability to lead the development and implementation of communications strategies that achieve organisational objectives
* Strong knowledge and experience in writing for diverse audiences and applying best-practice approaches across multiple communication channels
* Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues, client areas, and external stakeholders to deliver effective outcomes
* Team leadership experience and the ability to contribute positively to team culture
Salary / Rate
* $120k - $138k + 15.4% Super
* 12-month temporary s26 transfer or non-ongoing contract options available
* Flexibility to work from home up to two days per week
* Location: Canberra
To apply for this role, you must be an Australian citizen and hold a Baseline security clearance.
How to Apply
To apply online, please click on the appropriate link.
Alternatively, for a confidential discussion, please contact
Abbie Azzilla
on quoting ref no.
21089
HorizonOne is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and we encourage applications from people of all cultures, capabilities and backgrounds.