The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing holds the portfolios of Child Protection, Prevention of Family Violence, Housing, Disability, Ageing and Carers, Multicultural Affairs, LGBTIQ+ Equality, Veterans, Offices for Women and Youth. DFFH also supports Family Safety Victoria, Homes Victoria and Respect Victoria.

We are building an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of vulnerable Victorians.

The department is committed to the safety of its clients. The department takes a zero tolerance approach to abuse, including child abuse and abuse of people with disability.

Departmental employees are required to comply with all legal requirements including the Child Safe Standards to keep children safe from harm and abuse.

All jobs can be worked flexibly and we encourage job applications from Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, LGBTI and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.

If you want a career within a department striving to make Victoria the best place to be and helping shape communities we all want to be part of, then we encourage you to apply.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant, or if you have a disability, and require advice and support with the recruitment process, contact our Diversity Unit on DiversityInclusion@dhhs.vic.gov.au.

The department has a zero tolerance towards violence within the workplace and recognises the rights of all staff to be free from violence and gender-related discrimination.

Number of vacancies available: 1

Office Location(s):  50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 

Position Summary

The Chief Communications Officer at the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is the principal adviser to Ministers, the Secretary, departmental senior management, and external stakeholders on high-level departmental strategic communications and media matters. The Chief Communications Officer is responsible for leading and managing the Communications team, ensuring the work of the department is clearly communicated to the Victorian public and key stakeholders.

The Chief Communications Officer also plays a key driving and leadership role in ensuring the effective development and implementation of Communications and Media strategies, standards, channels and products.

Are you

• A proven leader with extensive experience in the media, public affairs or communications fields.
• A leader who can balance multiple stakeholders with a proven ability to understand the sensitivities of working within a public sector environment
• A leader with a demonstrated ability to prepare and implement complex internal and external communications and issues/risk management strategies and processes.
• Able to maintain strategic alignment and relevance of communications strategies with overarching business objectives and initiatives as well as emerging trends and changing needs of the organisation.
• Able to lead a team of communications and media professionals through excellent people leadership and teamwork skills at a senior level.

How to Apply:

Applicants are encouraged to apply online, submitting a cover letter and a current resume.

If you have any enquiries on the role, please contact the following:

Hayley James Ph: 0411 620 136 | E: hjames@ampersand.com.au

Tim James Ph: 0400 713743 | E: tjames@ampersand.com.au

Please note:

For this role, you are not required to address each of the key selection criteria in a separate written document. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review our Careers Page. This page provides information on the department's recruitment and pre-employment screening processes.  Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

Click 'Apply Now' below to submit your interest in this role.

For further information please visit the Department of Health and Human Services website: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.