Director Public Communications

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and soon-to-be 50 new early learning centres.

About the Division

The Communications Division collaborates with key stakeholders to strategically shape and deliver communication and community engagement opportunities.

The Division is responsible for the delivery of communications on behalf of the department to support and improve Victoria's education.

The partnership allows the Division to support the Victorian Government priorities in early childhood development, and school education. This includes engaging with the department's workforce, supporting the implementation of policies and reforms, protecting, and strengthening the reputation of our education and providing communications support and advice to the Victorian Government.

About the Role

A 2-year fixed term opportunity exists for an experienced Director to join the Public Communications branch in the Communications Division.

The role:

• Oversees the development of public facing education messages and for leadership of media responses and issues management.
• Provides high level advice to Ministerial Offices, the Secretary, Executive Board and other key decision makers on public communications.
• Requires forging strong connections between the Victorian Government and its education audiences.

Key Responsibilities

As a Director you will be responsible for:

• Providing the highest level of public communications advice to Ministers, the Secretary, department executives and policy and program areas.
• Leadership, advocacy and engagement planning across all Department of Education (DE) portfolios in early childhood and school education.
• Management of relationships with key stakeholders.
• Management of the Media, Major Events, and Speechwriting services.

As a member of the management team, the role is directly responsible for budget, resource and contract management, as well as the development of staff through professional development, mentoring and workload management.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary (Bachelor or higher) qualification Communications/Media

How to apply

Previous applicants need not apply.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and cover letter (max 2 pages for cover letter) summarising their skills, relevant experience, and suitability to the role in line with the duties, required capabilities and the Key Selection Criteria.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page.

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at