Assistant Secretary Media And Communication

>Canberra ACTThe Department of Home Affairs (the Department) brings together Australia’s federal law enforcement, national and transport security, criminal justice, emergency management, multicultural affairs, settlement services and immigration and border-related functions, working together to keep Australia safe.SES within the Department of Home Affairs provide leadership at both the departmental and whole of APS level. All SES demonstrate behaviours and actions that model and promote the APS Values and Code of Conduct. Similarly, the SES represents the APS and government externally to stakeholders. All SES roles are characterised by a high level of accountability for outcomes. The SES Work Level Standards identify the skills and capabilities required at the SES Band 1 level.SES Band 1 employees are members of the senior leadership team and play an integral role in delivering the key outcomes and priorities for the Department and the Australian Border Force. SES Band 1’s also help build organisational capability by providing intellectual leadership in their work area and in the organisation’s strategic agenda more broadly.SES Band 1’s are forward thinking, self-motivated, resilient and adept at building relationships in large, complex and fast paced environments. They are able to develop innovative solutions and contribute to setting strategic direction. Their strong leadership credentials and ability to engender trust and respect are complemented by sound judgement, a strong focus on results and the ability to solve complex issues and build organisational capability.The key duties of the position include:The Media and Communication Branch is a centralised function providing strategic, operational and tactical media and communication advice to the Department of Home Affairs, the Australian Border Force and Portfolio Ministers. The Branch is responsible for strategic issues management and managing all media engagement and monitoring, and the delivery of external communication activities including campaigns, major media events and speeches. The Branch also has in-house graphic design and production capability and is responsible for internal communications. ​​​​​The Assistant Secretary (AS), Media and Communication is accountable for the Department’s public statements in the media and must therefore demonstrate exceptional strategic awareness, communication and management skills. Experience in working in senior leadership roles in the media industry, in the office of a member of parliament, or as a government public affairs officer would also prove beneficial. To be a strong contender for this role, you will have highly developed strategic and analytical skills, and a sound working knowledge of the Australian Government and its policies and parliamentary processes. You will have a demonstrated understanding of public information strategies and campaigns (including delivery of these) and be able to closely link media strategies and priorities with the Ministers’ and Department’s objectives.You will lead the Department’s internal communications function to deliver consistent corporate messaging and your astute political awareness will be critical for driving issues management for the organisation. You will also drive and develop a high-performing culture and be able to work through complex issues and identify innovative solutions. Your integrity, judgement, and leadership credentials will be paramount. You will have a strong focus on results and be skilled at managing sensitive issues of public interest. To be successful in the AS Media and Communication role, you will:• Show evidence of your strong leadership and management skills, • Demonstrate experience in a large operationally complex organisation and be adept at crafting enterprise wide solutions, • Have successfully led a team in areas which are diverse, complex and sensitive, and• Have the ability to forge clear directions and deliver large and complex projects within tight timeframes.Eligibility• Qualifications or experience (more than two years) in media, communication or journalism.• Obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability clearance.• Obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Negative Vetting 2 level.• Australian citizenship is mandatory.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: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability