Communication and Engagement Stream
Position Title – Communications Manager, Strategic
Communications
Classification: Executive Level 1
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 Manager will provide proactive and operational advice 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 a significant and leading role in the provision of communications advice, support and materials
generated for the Agency through the Communications and Engagement Branch, one of three within the
Governance and Public Affairs Division of DisabilityCare Australia. You will liaise with internal stakeholders and
external suppliers to deliver a range of high level, complex and strategic information and communications solutions
for DisabilityCare Australia.
You will bring to this important role your extensive relevant experience, insight and superior 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
The duties for the Communications Manager include:
 Providing strategic communication advice to support DisabilityCare Australia’s policies, programs and
objectives;
 Managing the development and 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 ensure 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 and manage the relationships 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;
One big difference to lots of lives.
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Being able to write and edit a range of communication and media materials to a high professional
standard within deadlines;
Having well-developed interpersonal and influencing skills, including the ability to build effective
relationships with colleagues, senior management and external stakeholders;
Ensuring the effectiveness of the communication aids and tools from an end user perspective;
Ensuring that all DisabilityCare Australia communications meet the highest standards of accessibility;
Making 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 Manager will be a highly experienced leader and manager who has 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
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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 disability Department staff members
FaHCSIA Communications and Media Branch
Other Commonwealth agencies
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.