Public Affairs Officer - Media And Communications Branch

DS Executive | Executive Coordination | Media and Communications | Various

Public Affairs Officer 3 – Media and Communications Branch

Be part of something bigger: contribute to shaping, influencing and promoting a prosperous, secure and united Australia.

The Department of Home Affairs (The department) is responsible for centrally coordinated strategy and policy leadership in relation to domestic national security arrangements, emergency management, counter-terrorism, social cohesion, the protection of our sovereignty, the integrity of our border and the resilience of our national infrastructure.

Overview of the Media & Communication Branch:

The Media and Communication Branch is responsible for centrally coordinating media enquiries and strategic communications for the department and Australian Border Force (ABF).

The branch is supported by several sections that each deliver important influence and enabling services for Portfolio Ministerial offices, senior public servants and departmental business areas. You will be joining one of the most diverse communication teams in Federal Government.

Media Operations and Social Media

The Media Operations and Social Media section is the first point of contact in the department for journalists and responsible for managing media engagement for the department and developing media materials, including media responses, media releases, talking points, op-eds and media handling strategies to support key Portfolio and Government initiatives. This includes sensitive, high-risk/high-profile media handling.

The team also curates the department’s social media channels and analyses Media and public sentiment on topical and relevant matters.

Australian Border Force Media and Communication

The ABF Media section is responsible for promoting and protecting the brand and reputation of the Australian Border Force through proactive media engagement, media response and handling, and strategic media advice.

Thie team builds and maintains awareness of the role of the ABF while ensuring public confidence in the agency by highlighting the positive work and operational successes of the ABF. We also support the Commander Joint Agency Taskforce Operation Sovereign Borders with onshore communication needs.

This section supports the organisation with the design and implementation of external media handling strategies, activities and solutions, and manage the ABF Newsroom.

Immigration, Citizenship and Social Cohesion Communications

The Immigration, Citizenship and Social Cohesion Communications section plans and executes strategic communication advice and services and handle media issues relating to immigration and migration reform, humanitarian and citizenship programs and policies, social cohesion and multicultural affairs.

When team collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to design, implement and evaluate multifaceted communication strategies and plans and products to support business objectives.

This section is also home to the department’s speechwriting team, which provides speeches for the Secretary, Commissioner and Portfolio Ministers.

National Security and Crisis Communications

The National Security and Crisis Communication section plans and executes strategic communication and media engagement activities relating to counter-terrorism, counter foreign interference, and critical infrastructure.

The team also leads Whole-of-Government communication for these policy areas, for the security of designated special events, and for responding to crises led by the Department including terrorism and cyber incidents and other unfolding disasters.

This section provides the secretariat function for the Australia New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee's Public Information Sub-Committee.

Cyber Security Communications

The Cyber Security Communications section plans and executes strategic communication and media engagement activities relating to cyber security.

This section provides dedicated support for the National Cyber Security Coordinator and the Expert Advisory Board as part of the Australian Cyber Security Strategy.

Strategic Planning and Onshore Campaigns

The Strategic Planning and Onshore Campaigns section supports the department by maintaining governance and policy frameworks that support Media and communication activities.

The Section supports the delivery of onshore Australian Government advertising campaigns, including strategic advice on New Policy Proposal development, creative development and navigating the mandatory campaign approval process, panel procurement, and governance requirements.

This section also manages departmental reporting, budgets, recruitment, and complex procurement in support of the branch.

Internal Communications

The Internal Communications section is responsible for managing the department’s internal Communication, including intranet news and executive messages, targeted emails, campaign materials, video production and event planning and coordination.

The team includes experienced communication, public relation and event professionals who know how to tell the story of a team, policy, strategy or initiative in an engaging way, that helps staff understand how we are building the future state of Home Affairs.

Production and Design

The Production and Design section supports our Ministers, the Secretary, senior executives, and business areas with an in-house, end to end video production, graphic design and multimedia capability supporting internal and external campaigns, animations, graphics packages, publications, posters, pamphlets and website graphics.

This section owns and manages the department and ABF’s Brand Identity Guidelines and provides advice and support to promote and maintain brand consistency across a diverse range of visual communication products.

The team also provides support for departmental events and manages the theatrette at ABF Headquarters.

Our Ideal Candidate

Public Affairs Officer 3 are responsible for ensuring that Media and communication materials produced and released by the department are delivered to an exceptionally high standard.

You will work closely with clients to develop and implement communication and media strategies to achieve defined objectives. The role requires a strong client focus and the ability to confidently coordinate and work with other teams across the department, the Australian Government and where applicable, states and territories.

The position requires a range of strategic communication, media liaison and issues management skills and an ability to work professionally and collegiately with key stakeholders and to build and maintain productive working relationships across the Department and with key staff in the Minister’s office.

You will be responsible for managing the training, mentoring and professional support for junior staff within the team. Public Affairs Officer 3 provide support to Directors in delivering communication materials and delivering effective leadership to a team of communications professionals.

There will be opportunities to develop your skills and expand your knowledge in a typically fast-paced and dynamic environment. Each day will present new challenges and you will be encouraged to use and develop new skills. 

Please note: Staff in the Media and Communication Branch are rostered on-call for media enquiries after hours/weekends. Public Affairs Officer 3 may be requested to assist with managing issues under their responsibility or expertise outside of hours at short notice.

We are looking for communication professionals who enjoy working in a fast-paced and creative environment to deliver high-quality and innovative communication.

You will have a strong client focus and the ability to confidently coordinate and work with other teams. You will be a passionate and creative team member who enjoys and works well with others and can operate with autonomy where appropriate. You are a proactive relationship-builder and initiative-taker, with a creative mind and exercise sound professional judgement across all areas of your work.

Specific duties/responsibilities:

• Manage the strategic communication and public engagement requirements of clients, including developing communication and media content that will meet defined objectives

• Lead the development of communication activities such as online content, media opportunities, media management strategies, written products, photography and publications

• Work closely with key stakeholders across the department and maintain productive relationships with counterparts in external agencies

• Participate in the department’s crisis communication role, as required

• Manage and mentor junior staff within a small team.

Additional Information:

Highly Desirable

• Qualifications in communications, marketing, public relations and/or journalism or extensive experience in a communication, public relations and/or journalism role

• Ability to work to tight deadlines, while juggling multiple demands and operating sensitively in a complex and highly visible environment

• Highly developed communication skills, including the ability to liaise widely and develop productive working relationships at all levels

• Proven ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion, and to work quickly and independently, with excellent attention to detail and coordination skills

• Experience developing highly capable, motivated, and performance-focused team members

• Ability to manage relationships between the Department and Ministers’ Offices

• High level of professional and managerial judgement in responding to complex operational issues

• Ability to liaise and negotiate with all levels of senior management to promote quality outcomes for the department, Portfolio and Government.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 14/02/2024 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT  – Late applications will not be accepted.

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

• How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role
• Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
• Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 130844 in the document footer.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1  (AGSVA) security clearance and an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).

Diversity and inclusion

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

Technical assistance

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:

Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.

Notes

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position.

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

Candidates should be aware that in roles where vaccination against COVID-19 is required by public health orders/directions or other legislation proof of vaccination will be required. If a candidate is not fully vaccinated or is unwilling to be vaccinated within a reasonable time period, they may not be offered that role.