Communication and Engagement Stream
Position Title – Communications Officer, Strategic
Communications
Classification: APS 6
Reports to:
Director, Communication and Engagement Branch
Direct Reports:
Agency size:
around 500 FTE at present
Location:
Geelong (Canberra until June 2014)
Position Overview
The Communications Officer will provide operational input and support to Agency communications activity within
the strategic terms set by the Board of DisabilityCare Australia and the Business and Operational plans determined
by the Agency’s Senior Executive.
You will play an important role in the provision of communications support and materials for the Agency through
the Communications and Engagement Branch, one of three within the Governance and Public Affairs Division of
DisabilityCare Australia. You will work with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to support the delivery of a
range of high level, complex and strategic information and communications solutions for DisabilityCare Australia.
You will bring to this important role your relevant experience, insight, communication and analytical skills. You will
be an effective manager and strategic thinker who engenders trust and respect and relishes the challenge of
operating in a complex environment. Your skills will be complemented by your sound judgement, intellectual rigor,
resilience and integrity.
DisabilityCare Australia welcomes and encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,
people with diverse culture and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability.
Duties
Under broad direction the duties for the Communications Officer include:
 Providing input to the communication advice and activities that support DisabilityCare Australia’s policies,
programs and objectives;
 Contribute effectively to the production of communications materials in a complex and fast moving
environment, meeting tight timeframes and delivering quality results under pressure;
 Liaising with internal stakeholders in business units across the Agency to assist in ensuring their
communications needs are understood and met within the strategic, cooperate and operational planning
framework of the Agency;
 Supporting the delivery of on-the-ground community engagement and public relations activities to
support the delivery of DisabilityCare Australia;
 Liaising with external suppliers in accordance with Agency deadlines, resources, budgets and contracts;
 Managing competing priorities, follow relevant processes, solve problems, and track and record progress
against agreed deadlines, requirements and operational goals;
 Being able to write and edit a range of communication and media materials to a high professional
standard within deadlines;
One big difference to lots of lives.






Having well-developed interpersonal and influencing skills, including the ability to build effective
relationships with colleagues, senior managers and external stakeholders;
Contribute to the effectiveness of the communication aids and tools from an end user perspective;
Recognise that all DisabilityCare Australia communications must meet the highest standards of
accessibility and prepare work to meet agreed benchmarks;
Support the effective use of communications materials, products and activities in a broad spectrum of
media – internal and external – including online platforms;
Contributing to the implementation of communications activity across nominated sites; and
Promoting workplace practices consistent with agency policy and in accordance with APS values and
leadership behaviours.
Personal Attributes
The Communications Officer will possess the following attributes:
 professional authority and credibility;
 the ability to work effectively within significant change agendas;
 the ability to co-operate effectively in dynamic and quickly changing environments;
 the ability to inspire confidence;
 keen intelligence, persuasiveness and influencing skills;
 a strong results orientation within a collaborative framework;
 a proactive approach to professional and organisational development;;
 astute judgement; and the highest ethical standards.
Main Relationships




All DisabilityCare Australia staff including Senior management, managers and staff
People with disability, their carers, disability support providers and their representative organisations
Commonwealth and State/Territory agencies and FaHCSIA Communications and Media Branch
External suppliers / contractors of services and support related to the communications activities of
DisabilityCare Australia
Qualifications
Essential:
Desirable:
The successful applicant will have experience in a communications discipline and environment.
Relevant tertiary qualifications (or equivalent) combined with significant experience in a
communications discipline. In addition, membership of relevant professional associations or institutes
will be well regarded.
One big difference to lots of lives.