The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

About the role: 

• The Senior Communications Adviser is responsible for delivering a range of high-quality communications strategies and actionable plans in line with the Department's strategic priorities.
• Reporting into a Head of Strategic Communications, you will work closely with branch colleagues, ministerial offices, department executives and relevant business areas within the department to ensure communications material is clear, engaging, timely, and aligned to the department's strategic narrative and plan.
• You will have experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative and integrated communications campaigns for target audiences using best practice communication and engagement skills, tools and techniques.

About us: 

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.  

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all. 

How you'll make a difference:

• Provide an account management approach to core service delivery and strategic communications, ensuring expediency and accuracy in information provided to the community, and alignment to departmental and government strategic objectives.
• Develop, deliver and evaluate communications and engagement strategies and deliver or oversee production of communications including print, online and multimedia materials.
• Work collaboratively across the department to ensure the delivery of effective communications and engagement outputs that are of a high written and visual standard and which comply with departmental and whole-of-Victorian Government guidelines.
• Initiate and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders and seek opportunities to engage stakeholders in the development and application of new and/or contemporary methodologies to improve communications services.
• Provide multi-disciplinary and authoritative public relations, communications, stakeholder, risk management advice to stakeholders.
• Identify positive story opportunities for provision across traditional media and digital media platforms, identifying risks and issues that may be contentious and provide authoritative and expert advice on how to manage them.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide leadership across the team and Branch and ensure a good understanding of the work of the other portfolios within the department and how they interact and work collaboratively with colleagues across the Branch.
• Provide support to other teams across the Branch as and when required, including support for public emergencies, large-scale communications campaigns and other high priority projects, to contribute the effective management of work across the Communications and Media Branch and department.
• Demonstrated willingness to be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities with the ability to meet deadlines while working in pressured situations.

To learn more please click ‘Apply' to view the Position Description on the Careers.vic website. 

What we offer: 

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.

How to apply: 

Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date. 

We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build 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 all Victorians. 

All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ+ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health.

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks including proof of 3 vaccinations (including booster) against COVID-19. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence, in line with our Privacy Policy. 

The Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) Recruitment Policy allows for priority consideration for employees who apply through the Jobs Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform. As such, these employees are strongly encouraged to submit their application through the JSE.