El1 Public Affairs Assistant Director - Crisis Communications

About Our Client
Responsible for strategic policy leadership in national security, emergency management, counter-terrorism, social cohesion, border integrity, and national infrastructure resilience, the Media & Communication Branch plays a crucial role within a larger governmental organisation. Tasked with centrally coordinating media inquiries and strategic communications, the Branch collaborates with several sections to provide influential services for Portfolio Ministerial offices, senior public servants, and departmental business areas.
As part of this dynamic communication team, you'll contribute to shaping and promoting key initiatives while supporting the objectives of the broader governmental structure.
Joining this team offers a unique opportunity to engage in diverse communication responsibilities within the federal government, influencing public perception and contributing to the organisation's overarching goals
Job Description
This crucial National Security and Crisis Communication Section coordinates strategic communication and media engagement pertaining to counter-terrorism, countering foreign interference, cyber security, critical infrastructure security, emergency management and special events. This section also leads whole-of-Government public information coordination for crises that fall under the responsibility of government portfolio Ministers. In addition, this section performs secretariat functions for the Australia New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee's Public Information Sub-Committee.
Lead and Support:
Spearhead and coordinate innovative and dynamic strategic communication initiatives within the National Security and Crisis Communications Section, navigating a fast-paced environment focused on counter-terrorism, countering foreign interference, cyber security, critical infrastructure security, emergency management, and special events. Meticulously monitor and report on progress.
Provide expert media advice to key stakeholders within the context of national security and crisis situations.
Author, review, and produce high-quality communication materials tailored for diverse audiences, aligning closely with the multifaceted challenges encompassed by the National Security and Crisis Communications Section.
Manage media enquiries, collaborating closely with policy and operational teams in the realms of counter-terrorism, emergency management, and related fields. Apply professional judgement to ensure effective communication in crisis situations.
Collaboration and Product Creation:
Collaborate on the creation of comprehensive communication products, emphasising web content, video, digital, and print, specifically tailored to the exigencies of national security, crisis communication, and public information coordination for government portfolio Ministers.
Actively contribute to the out-of-hours media on-call roster, ensuring an effective response and representation during critical incidents and crises.
Design, develop, implement, and evaluate media and communication activities within the National Security and Crisis Communications Section, aligning closely with organisational objectives in crisis situations.
Stakeholder Engagement:
Cultivate effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, offering strategic advice on intricate matters and projects related to national security, crisis communication, and public information coordination.
Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the division in external engagement, communication, and social media, particularly in the context of sensitive national security matters.
Management and Oversight:
Oversee the procurement, selection, and delivery of initiatives within the National Security and Crisis Communications Section, ensuring optimal outcomes in the realms of counter-terrorism, cyber security, and emergency management.
Lead and manage team outcomes within the high-pressure environment, consistently monitoring progress and ensuring the delivery of high-quality results.
Demonstrate excellent leadership skills by exercising judgement, leading a small team, operating independently, and understanding the broader impact of the environment on team objectives, particularly in the context of national security and crisis communication.
The Successful Applicant

• Proven delivery of excellent communications and engagement advice and services
• Enthusiastic exploration of innovative approaches to work and audience communication
• Aptitude for comprehending and handling complex projects in collaboration with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Strong leadership qualities, supporting the team and embracing change as an opportunity for innovation
• 'Out-of-the-box' thinking and a penchant for fresh ideas in a dynamic, ever-changing environment
• Professionalism in client focus and effective coordination with other teams
• Proactive in building relationships, taking initiatives, and exercising sound professional judgement
• Resilience under tight deadlines in a complex environment, managing multiple demands
• Highly developed communication skills for establishing productive working relationships at all levels
• Qualifications in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or extensive relevant experience
• Must be an Australian Citizen
• Current NV1 or Baseline security clearance is highly desirable, must have ability to obtain and maintain NV1 security clearance.

What's on Offer

• 18mth non-ongoing with possible extension and/or Ongoing opportunities
• $120,301 - $132,969 + 15.4% superannuation
• ASAP Start
• Canberra location (remote working arrangements not available)