Why work with us:
The Office for Early Childhood Development has been formed with a clear mandate: to create a fairer and better future for all children in South Australia by implementing the accepted recommendations of the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education and Care.
As the steward of the early childhood development system, the Office will act on government's behalf, and work in collaboration with the sector, to organise and connect the system to reduce developmental vulnerability.
This includes providing universal access to quality, teacher-led preschool from the age of 3, growing and sustaining a quality early childhood workforce, and greater supports and connected services for families.
About this role:
The Assistant Director, Communications and Engagement will play a pivotal role at the Office for Early Childhood Development by leading strategic communications and engagement efforts that support the implementation of the state’s generational Flying Start early childhood reforms.
This role will lead a dynamic team in media, strategic communications, marketing, digital communications and stakeholder engagement through the Flying Start brand and ensure that the Office for Early Childhood Development’s public identity reflects the important work and ambition of our reform.
This is a significant opportunity to lead communications and engagement at the heart of a once-in-a-generation investment in children and families, requiring strong strategic capability, sound judgement and the ability to lead teams in delivering high-impact work in a complex environment.
Your Key Responsibilities:
* Leading a dynamic Communications and Engagement team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and productive work environment.
* Establishing clear planning and delivery frameworks to meet strategic and operational needs.
* Driving all communication and engagement activities across the Office for Early Childhood Development, working closely with internal leaders to underpin successful reform delivery.
* Providing expert advice and communication services to executive management, key stakeholders and staff across the agency.
* Driving consistency and continuous improvement across the Office for Early Childhood Development’s communication and engagement functions.
About you:
To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced and collaborative leader who brings strategic clarity and operational discipline to a fast-paced reform environment. You will play a key role in coordinating efforts across the Office for Early Childhood Development, ensuring communication and engagement activities are well-integrated, purposeful and clearly sequenced to support timely implementation and reform momentum.
We are looking for someone who brings:
* Experience and demonstrated ability to lead teams and projects within a complex or reform-driven environment.
* Ability to work across teams and functions to support clear planning and effective coordination or activity.
* Highly developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills including the ability to partner effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
* Demonstrated ability to analyse, evaluate and present complex information to support the development of communication strategies.
* Proven experience managing brand identity and online presence.
Role Benefits:
* A role with real influence and impact on the state’s generational Flying Start early childhood reform.
* Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the public sector.
* Work with a diverse range of stakeholders across the agency and within the early childhood sector.
* Be part of an agency with a clear mission to improve the lives of South Australia’s children and families.
* Access to flexible working arrangements.
Application Instructions and Information:
Applications should be made through the IWorkForSA website.
Applicants must submit a CV, Pre-employment Declaration, and a cover letter outlining their suitability against the attached position description.
Remuneration:
MAS3 - $127,859 (1.0 FTE) per annum, plus superannuation of 12%.
Additional allowances may be available for the suitable applicant.
Additional Note:
This is a full-time 2-year long term contract role (1.0 FTE) with potential to be made ongoing.
Enquiries:
Enquiries can be directed to OECD.PandC@sa.gov.au.