We are looking to fill two Assistant Director – External Communications positions (one ongoing, one non-ongoing) across a number of FWO Office Locations. Full-time and part-time hours are available. Offers will be based on candidate performance and operational requirements.
About the OFWO
The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman (OFWO) is an independent statutory office established by the Fair Work Act 2009 (Fair Work Act). Our functions outline the responsibilities we have as set by the Fair Work Act and other legislation to achieve our purpose:
* provide education, assistance, advice and guidance to employers, employees, outworkers, outworker entities and organisations
* promote and monitor compliance with workplace laws
* inquire into and investigate breaches of the Fair Work Act
* take appropriate enforcement action
* perform our statutory functions efficiently, effectively, economically and ethically.
What our employees say about us
We are one of the most engaged and high performing agencies in Australia; consistently scoring above average on employee engagement and wellbeing when surveyed against other APS agencies.
What we offer you
* We provide a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment with access to:
* Great training and development opportunities
* Generous leave and flexible working arrangements
* Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a free counselling service for you and your family
* Rewards and recognition initiatives
We Value Diversity
OFWO has been accredited as a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace since 2011. We are also members of the Australian Network on Disability and Pride in Diversity. We encourage and welcome applications from First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and mature age people.
* To be eligible for employment with the OFWO you must be an Australian citizen.
* The successful candidate must hold a current Australian Government Security Clearance (AGSVA) or be willing to undergo and obtain a Baseline security clearance.
A range of other conditions may be required depending on the role you are applying for.
The Role
We are seeking experienced and qualified communications professionals to fill two positions of Assistant Director within the External Communications Team – Engagement & Communications Branch. Available roles include:
* An Assistant Director overseeing the social media portfolio (ongoing). This position leads a team to manage the FWO's social media channels including developing content and growth strategies, overseeing content and creative asset development and community management
* An Assistant Director overseeing the campaign development portfolio (non-ongoing 12-month role). This position leads a team to manage the FWO's external communications campaigns including, overseeing the development of communications plans, content and creative assets and community management.
In the application form, please indicate which role/s you are interested in and pitch your written response accordingly.
The Branch/Team
The Engagement & Communications Branch is custodian of the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) brand and has extensive interactions with customers and stakeholders across the Australian workplace community through its management of the FWO's External Communications, Media, Community Engagement and Strategic Engagement functions.
The team is responsible for the planning, delivery and evaluation of:
* communications strategies, including public information campaigns, to increase awareness and understanding of Australian workplace laws and the role of the Fair Work Ombudsman
* digital engagement via social media and other online platforms
* the development of externally facing collateral publications including marketing material, documents, reports
* a strong brand identity and positioning for the FWO, including daily management of the agency's brand and narrative.
You will lead a small team to create, deliver and maintain a range of communications programs, messages and materials. These activities help educate, promote fairness and ensure justice in Australian workplaces.
Typical Duties
The duties of Assistant Director – External Communications include, but are not limited to:
* providing high level strategic advice on external communications issues for the FWO and work as part of a team to deliver these outcomes
* developing and delivering communications projects including communications campaigns, corporate publications (including reports and creative collateral) and digital media engagement activities (including social media)
* engaging with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate communications-related outcomes on behalf of the External Communications team, where required
* providing stewardship of the organisation's brand, values, voice and tailored messages, and manage associated brand and research initiatives
* mentoring and develop staff within the External Communications team
* providing support to the Director, External Communications as required.
* Prior experience managing communications campaigns, production of publications and/or social media channels is desired.
Selection Criteria
* Outstanding written and oral communication skills and the ability to create and oversee an array of communications for different audiences and mediums.
* Experience driving the strategy and management of digital communications channels such as social media, email subscription services, paid and below the line communications campaigns.
* Excellent judgement and the ability to manage reputational risk in a fast paced, politically charged environment.
* Demonstrated ability to lead a cross functional and integrated team to deliver high quality outcomes. Including an excellent ability to deliver strategic change while maintaining team morale and outputs.
* Demonstrated experience developing productive and positive working relationships across geographically dispersed locations with a range of internal and external stakeholders including senior executives, colleagues, suppliers and other organisations.
How to Apply
If you are excited about the opportunity, please tell us in no more than 800 words:
* Why you want to apply for this role?
* How your skills and experience address the requirements of this role (with consideration of the selection criteria).
All applications must be submitted via our online application system through the OFWO website.
If you have any questions about this recruitment exercise, please email recruitment@fwo.gov.au.
Please ensure you check your junk mail throughout the recruitment process, as sometimes our emails sent from our online system end up in junk mail folders.
Applications close 11.00pm (AEDT) Monday 23 February 2026
More Information
* Working with us and tips on applying, visit fairwork.gov.au/about-us/careers
* OFWO's purpose and functions, visit fairwork.gov.au/about-us/our-role-and-purpose
#J-18808-Ljbffr