DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION AND CHILD
DEVELOPMENT
Title of Position:
Communications Officer – Child
Development
Classification Code:
ASO-5
Administrative Unit:
Department for Education and Child Development
Directorate:
Policy and Communications
Unit:
Strategic Communications
Type of appointment:
Ongoing
Term
Temp
Term
Up to 5 years
Casual
Job Analysis:
 Originated by: Yolanda Vos
 Classified by: Aktis Performance Management
Position Reference Number:
104398
Version Date: October 2012
Job and Person Specification Approval
__________________ ___/___/___
Delegate
JOB SPECIFICATION
1. Summary of the broad purpose of the job and its responsibilities/duties.
The Communications Officer – Child Development is accountable to the Manager, Marketing and Communications –
Child Development for:
 delivering responsive and effective communications services, and associated projects and initiatives.
 preparing, implementing and coordinating communication campaigns, in accordance with corporate goals and
government objectives
 delivering expert and timely advice and information, which contributes to the achievement of communications
programs, projects, plans, campaigns, and strategic targets and objectives
 planning, developing and managing assigned projects, and associated activities
 assuming responsibility for the delivery of efficient work practices within the workgroup/unit.
2. Reporting/Working Relationships
Key working relationships required to support performance outcomes are;
Internal:
General Manager, Strategic Communications unit, Manager Marketing and Communications, Senior
Communications Advisor, other Departmental staff
External:
Public schools and private sector organisations as required
Reporting lines are as follows;
General Manager
MAS3
Manager, Marketing Communications
– Child Development ASO8
Comms Officer – Child
Development ASO5
Child Development
Team x 3
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Senior Editor ASO7
Manager, Marketing
Communications – Schools - ASO8
Schools Team x 4
3. Special Conditions
Travel:
Out-of-hours:
Location:
Performance targets:
Conditions:
Some interstate and intrastate travel may be required
Some out of hours work may be required
State Office – 31 Flinders Street, Adelaide
The incumbent may be required to achieve performance targets that are negotiated
and mutually agreed with the Manager, Marketing and Communications – Child
Development.
The appointee will be subject to a Criminal History check prior to confirmation of
appointment
4. Statement of Key Responsibilities/Duties
1.
2.
3.
Deliver responsive and effective communications services, and associated projects and initiatives, relating to
child development by:

preparing, implementing and coordinating assigned communication campaigns, in accordance with
corporate goals and government objectives

delivering expert and timely advice and information, which contributes to the achievement of
communications programs, projects, plans, campaigns, and strategic targets and objectives

coordinating, or contributing to, the development, implementation and ongoing review of communication
and marketing strategies, plans, tools and mechanisms that guide and support more effective
communications with staff working in the child development sector.

contributing to the development, implementation and evaluation of, and provision of advice on,
departmental communications and public relations policies, procedures and guidelines

contributing, as a key team member, to the development and review of quality, effective published materials
such as brochures, departmental documents and online content to support effective communications,
including managing outsourced printing and graphic design, as required

planning, developing and managing assigned projects, and associated activities, including monitoring,
evaluating and reporting on progress and performance outcomes against objectives

contributing to the ongoing continual improvement, and quality performance, of communications
campaigns, projects and activities, including participating in processes to gain feedback and monitor client
satisfaction and outcomes

contributing to the sourcing of financial sponsorships for exhibitions, promotions and other special events
that support communications objectives

coordinating the planning, development and delivery of corporate events and cross-agency promotional
strategies, in close consultation with relevant stakeholders, to enhance the department’s profile, improve
community relations, and raise community awareness of public education and children’s services.
Contribute to the effective organisation, operation and delivery of the Unit’s programs, strategies and objectives
by:

participating in a team culture that supports the delivery of marketing and communications programs,
projects, services, products and materials to meet all agreed quality and performance objectives

participating in the evaluation of marketing and communications development activities and performance

adhering to the provisions of relevant legislative requirements and government guidelines and policies

contributing, as a member of a specialist team, to the identification and implementation of opportunities and
strategies that promote departmental and portfolio priority issues across the Department, and to other
government agencies and the general public.
Contribute to the delivery and maintenance of efficient work practices within the workgroup/unit by:

contributing to the promotion of the Public Sector principles and practices, employee conduct standards,
equal opportunity and Occupational Health Safety and Welfare.
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5. Authority
Departmental delegations and policies define levels/limits of authority in relation to finance, human resources
and administrative requirements.
6. Position Challenges/Context
The position works in an environment with limited direction and operates as a member of a specialist team. The
environment in the unit is dynamic and creative so that activities and services remain responsive, flexible and
innovative. The environment can also, at times, be politically sensitive and demand current knowledge of policies
and protocols and, as such, requires extremely high levels of confidentiality.
The position works within an area that is responsible for a number of critical functions by means of commitment
to organisational and Government policy and directions. The position operates within a very demanding work
environment, requiring multiple skills to achieve identified position outcomes.
Acknowledged by Occupant _______________________ ___/___/___
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Minimum Requirements (Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary).
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills

Proven high level verbal and written communication skills and an ability to produce user friendly communication
that is clear, concise and accurate, including the ability to edit and proofread

Proven ability to work independently and with limited supervision within a team environment and within strict
time constraints.

Proven ability to grasp new concepts quickly and use initiative and judgement to develop effective solutions to
complex marketing and communications issues.
Experience (including community experience)

Demonstrated experience working on a wide range of marketing, communication and promotional programs,
projects, strategies and campaigns.

Proven experience in developing and implementing effective promotional, marketing or communication
materials, including writing, editing and proofreading to meet quality standards.
Knowledge
Technical:

Knowledge and understanding of public relations protocols within the SA Government, and of marketing, media,
communications, promotions, stakeholder management, and market research.
Desirable Characteristics (to distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements ).
Educational/Vocational Qualifications

A relevant tertiary qualification in marketing, public relations, communications, journalism or related discipline.
Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills

Interpersonal skills that build/maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to foster the
cooperation and support of others.
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