Career Opportunities: Assistant Secretary, Communication Branch (46876)
Requisition ID46876 -Posted -Salary package commencing from -$225,769 - Location of Position (1) -Ongoing -Full Time
Title:
Classification(s):
SES Band 1
Employment Type:
Full-time, ongoing
Salary package commencing from $225,769
Business Division:
People, Culture & Change
Branch / Section:
Communication
Location:
Security Clearance:
Job Reference No:
46876
Contact Officer:
Rachel Houghton
E:
P: (02) 6236 8507
Closing Date:
11.59pm AEST, Sunday 27 July 2025
We invest in, trust and care about our people. We create a fulfilling, flexible and supportive workplace that helps our people achieve their goals. We invest in the tools, systems and training our people need to do their jobs.
The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTIQ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women's progression into senior leadership .
The opportunity we have available
We are seeking to fill the role of Assistant Secretary, Communication Branch.
You will be a strategic partner within the department, leading a branch of specialist staff who provide high-quality media and communications advice and services to the department and our ministers. This is a critical role to:
* Clearly communicate information about government and departmental initiatives to promote transparency and build trust, mitigate misinformation and ensure accountability
* Raise awareness of key programs and services to support accessibility and utilisation by intended audience
* Manage relationships with key stakeholders including the government, staff, industry and other government agencies
* Lead the department's media engagement activities and advise on media issues management
* Keep staff informed about departmental culture, initiatives, achievements and changes to support a cohesive and engaged workforce, and support change management processes.
* Ensure an aligned narrative regarding the department's corporate strategy, planning and investment program.
What will you do?
The Communications Branch delivers a broad array of communication services (strategic, executive, internal), branding, media liaison and management, social media engagement, event management, creative services (graphic design, photography and video production), speechwriting services and advertising campaigns.
As an Assistant Secretary, you can expect to:
* Lead and inspire a high performing team of subject matter experts
* Build and maintain effective and productive networks across multiple ministerial offices, staff networks, portfolio agencies, government, academia and the private sector
* Ensure there are effective business planning and assurance arrangements to support the delivery of timely and high-quality outputs across the full array of branch functions
* Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies that strengthen the department's inclusive culture
* Represent the department at a wide range of government, industry and government briefings and committees.
Who are we looking for?
As Assistant Secretary, you will have a critical role in ensuring that both the government and department's goals, policies and services are clearly, accurately and effectively conveyed to various audiences.
We are seeking candidates who will show initiative, take accountability for results, and demonstrate the ability to provide both strategic and operational leadership. Specifically, we are seeking candidates who can:
* Actively lead – discussing and articulating a positive vision and sense of purpose for the future and empowering people to succeed and have a positive impact.
* Bring communication and media expertise – with more than 5 years of senior level experience in the areas of media and communications. Relevant formal qualifications are highly desirable.
* Achieve results – marshal resources to deliver on complex projects, programs, and services with resilience and a positive approach to issues resolution.
* Communicate with influence – to deliver the required outcomes with intelligence, influence, professionalism, authenticity, and credibility. Listen, understand and adapt to different audiences.
* Act with integrity and be respectful – making informed decisions, integrating moral and ethical considerations and establishing realistic goals. Value different perspectives, contributions and background.
* Drive innovation – turning innovative thinking into action and make time to engage others in ideas and problem solving. Consider mistakes first as an opportunity to learn.
* Be collaborative – demonstrated collaboration, communication, and interpersonal skills that build relationships based on understanding, respect, and trust.
* Culturally Competent – demonstrate an understanding of the issues affecting First Nations Peoples and the ability to communicate sensitively and effectively.
What else can we offer?
* Make an impact by supporting Australians in a way that enriches our communities, empowers our regions, and connects all Australians
* Learn from inspiring leaders and build professional networks with others who support innovation and diversity across the department and the wider APS
* Have exposure to, and strategically influence, high profile and exciting projects.
* Receive career advancement opportunities, including professional and capability development that is focused on your individual career goals
* Receive ongoing support including mentoring and access to the department's Professional Coaching Scheme
* Enjoy flexible working arrangements where appropriate, including part time hours, home based work and job sharing
APS Jobs Criteria
Regarding recent changes and directive announced by APS Jobs in line with the Commissioners Directions, which came into effect as of Friday November 1, we will also require the following information to be provided for us in order to proceed with publishing on APS Jobs;
* Office Arrangements :Whilst there is flexibility in the arrangements for this role, it is expected that the successful candidate will work at least three days per week in the office to support branch leadership and culture requirements.
* Merit Pool : this recruitment process will create a Canberra-based merit pool only.
RecruitAbility minimum requirements
All of our roles are advertised under the RecruitAbility scheme unless Affirmative Measures – disability.
RecruitAbility is a scheme which aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment.
Job applicants with disability who met the requirements are advanced to the next stage of the selection process:
* Opt into the scheme
* Declare they have a disability, and
* Meet the minimum requirements of a vacancy advertised in the scheme
Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:
* Citizenship : candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
* Health Assessment : the preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department's preferred medical provider.
* Security Clearance : the successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at minimum Negative Vetting Level 1. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
Timeline and assessment
A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.
If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.
Applications open: Thursday, 3 July 2025
Applications close: Sunday, 27 July 2025
Application shortlisting: 28 July – 4 August 2025
Further assessments: 4 August- 12 August 2025
Selection report finalised: week of 25 August 2025
Offers and announcements: week of 1 September 2025
The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.
Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include work sample testing, interviews, and reference checks.
How to apply
Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEST, Sunday 27 July 2025.
In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide in a PDF document a statement of no more than 2 pages outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the 'Who are we looking for' section.
You should also provide a tailored CV in PDF, no more than 3 pages .
Your application should be received through the department's online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.
If you experience any issues with the system please contact the SESUnit on to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.
Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email
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