Senior Communications Officer

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 

Location

VIC; ACT; QLD 

 Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

Classification

APS Level 6 - $94,563.00 and $107,713.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

Renee Roszbach at   

Office Arrangements

Flexible  - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 

Applications close on 06/10/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position. 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in VIC; ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; WA.
 

About our team

Cyber & Infrastructure Security | Critical Infrastructure Risk & Reg | Auscheck | Communications and Engagement

The AusCheck Communications and Engagement Section leads communication and engagement activities both internally and externally for the branch. This work includes:

• Developing and implementing communication and engagement strategies
• On-boarding critical infrastructure entities to use AusCheck services
• Coordinating background checking for major national events
• Supporting the branch through writing, editing, publishing and graphic design.

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force

Our ideal candidate will

• Possess strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills 
• Be a team player who enjoys working in a dynamic and evolving environment 
• Bring experience in effective stakeholder engagement to deliver efficient and accurate workplace outcomes 
• Bring knowledge operating within the Australian Government branding guidelines and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and relevant sections of the Copyright Act 1969 and Privacy Act 1988 
• Hold qualifications and/or demonstrated equivalent experience in a relevant field - desirable but not mandatory.

Duties and responsibilities

• Lead communications and engagement projects for AusCheck, including drafting and implementing communication and engagement strategies 
• Copy-write, review, edit, coordinate and publish content on behalf of the branch and Department
• Support the improvement and maintenance of AusCheck communication channels, including our website
• Promote best practice communication tactics and provide expert advice, support or guidance on accessible communications and government style, in line with departmental standards
• Collaborate with other sections, external agencies and external stakeholders as needed to facilitate cross-agency or multi-agency planning for communications activities.

Additional information

• A broad understanding of relevant legislative and policy frameworks and the external factors influencing departmental or whole of Government policies relative to role (or the ability to quickly develop this understanding)
• Ability to plan and achieve work goals independently and as part of a busy and fast-paced team
• Ability to think strategically, particularly with focusing on achieving outcomes, demonstrating flexibility and agility with managing workloads, tasks, competing priorities and resources 
• Ability to work as part of a team in a complex and dynamic work environment
• Demonstrate self-awareness and a commitment to learning and personal development
• Demonstrates clear and strategic communications both internally and with key stakeholders and is able to elevate key concerns and propose solutions to the Executive
• High level administrative skills, organisational skills and attention to detail
• High-level stakeholder engagement skills and be able to work with staff of all levels
• Identifies and implements innovative solutions to complex issues through engagement within the team, Branch and key stakeholders
• Qualifications, and/or demonstrated equivalent experience, in a relevant field is desirable but not mandatory.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 06/10/2025 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 – in the document footer.

​​​​​​​Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.

Eligibility

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

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance, and:
 

• ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
• Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.
   

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.  

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.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit:

Technical assistance

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:

• Email:
• Phone: (within Australia) or +61 (outside of Australia)

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 Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

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.

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at

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.