Title:  Communications and Engagement Senior Advisor

About Us

The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to; improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria.

Communications and Customer Experience lead best-practice communications and engagement to connect DTP with our people, customers, industry partners and communities. We work collaboratively to enrich our customers’ experience of our services, provide the information people need to get around safely and smoothly, and engage with Victorians about how they live and move, now and into the future.

We’re focused on outcomes that deliver more choice, connections and confidence in our travel, ensuring the whole transport network works as one to deliver better services and outcomes.

About the Role

Fixed Term Opportunity Until 30 June 2027

The Senior Advisor, Communications and Engagement, Ticketing, leads the planning, delivery and coordination of communications activities for the Future Public Transport Ticketing (PTT) Program.

Taking a program management approach, the role has one direct report and is part of a cross-functional team that is responsible for developing and implementing the communications program for the PTT Program, within DTP.

The role works in partnership with the Network Design and Integration group and collaborates with key stakeholders and program partners across DTP to deliver effective communications and engagement for priority PTT activity.

The role provides expert strategic advice, identifying communication and engagement opportunities and mitigating reputational issues and risks. It is pivotal in ensuring best practice engagement and maintaining the reputation for the PTT Program and organisation.

To access the Position Description, please click here.

Position Outcomes / Accountabilities

• Prepare and deliver high impact communications and engagement plans that strategically position DTP’s ticketing program within the community and stakeholders. Work with business areas and channel leads to deliver a comprehensive program of activities and reporting, on time and budget.
• Provide leadership to one direct report, ensuring they are enabled to provide the best possible communications and stakeholder engagement support for the program
• Partner with project teams and business areas to gain an understanding of program milestones and issues and provide context for communications and engagement planning to senior leadership.
• Keep abreast of issues and effectively respond to critical issues that may impact on stakeholder and community expectations and the project and department’s reputation.
• Provide specialist advice on best practice communications and engagement aligned to the department’s engagement framework, that support the planning and delivery of programs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to build trust and effectively negotiate positive outcomes for the project and programs.

Key Selection Criteria

The DTP is seeking a strategic Senior Advisor, Communications and Engagement with strong experience delivering effective communications and engagement strategies across complex transport, IT, or project environments. This role leads project planning and delivery, manages competing stakeholder needs, and translates technical information into clear, impactful messages tailored to diverse audiences. The successful candidate will also apply strong critical‑thinking skills to resolve issues and support team performance through clear expectations and constructive feedback.

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory

• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent experience in communications, engagement, public relations, education, or a similar discipline.
• At least three years demonstrated experience leading on and delivering significant communications and engagement programs.

Culture Value 

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals. 

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals. 

What we offer

• Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
• Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
• We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions  

All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. 

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position. 

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply. 

Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months. 

How to Apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application. 
If you encounter any issues, refer to our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Applications close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 11 January 2026. 

Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions. 

For further information about the role, please contact Ange Thiel-Paul, Manager Strategy and Policy Priorities via 0434 116 705, ange.thiel-paul@transport.vic.gov.au

Important Information: 

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