Senior Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media

About Us

We work for the people of Victoria by helping the Government achieve its strategic objectives.  We do this by supporting the Premier, the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples and the Multicultural Affairs, as well as the Cabinet. Our vision is to be recognised and respected leaders in whole-of-government policy and performance. 

DPC upholds and demonstrates the values of the VPS and is the embodiment of VPS leadership.  DPC’s values are adopted from the Public Administration Act 2004: 

• Leadership 

• Integrity 

• Responsiveness 

• Impartiality 

• Accountability 

• Respect 
• Commitment to Human Rights. 

At the Department of Premier and Cabinet, we drive meaningful outcomes delivering real impact across Government and for Victorians. As a part of a central VPS agency supporting the Premier and Portfolio Ministers, you’ll be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values flexibility and innovation.

About the Group

The Public Administration group supports the Victorian Government and the DPC Secretary with expertise in public sector governance, strategic communication, protocol and intergovernmental relations, and advice on legal issues and legislation. The group also provides whole of government leadership and coordination in these areas. In doing so, the group gives special attention to the institutions and systems of Westminster government, including the operation of Cabinet and the Victorian Executive Council, and relationships with the Office of the Governor, Parliament, Chief Parliamentary Counsel, the Victorian Electoral Commission and the Victorian Public Sector Commission

About the Role

The Senior Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media provide high-level, multi-disciplinary communications advice and support the departments strategic priorities and government-wide initiatives. The role supports communication planning, media and stakeholder engagement, risk and issues management, and works closely with ministerial offices and senior departmental leaders.

Operating in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, the role requires sound judgement, excellent communication skills, and strong stakeholder engagement capability.

Key Accountabilities

1. Deliver strategic communications services by developing and implementing communication strategies, key messaging, communication materials, content publishing and stakeholder engagement plans aligned with government priorities. Monitor and evaluate communication effectiveness, media coverage and stakeholder engagement to inform continuous improvement.

2. Provide expert strategic communications advice and support to ministerial offices, executive leadership and departmental stakeholders on media relations, reputational risk, proactive and reactive communications, and crisis and issues management. Ensure timely, accurate and coordinated communication responses.

3. Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships and communication capability by working collaboratively with senior executives, portfolio teams and ministerial offices. Contribute to whole-of-government communication policies, frameworks and initiatives, and support Victorian Government special events, including ceremonial, memorial and promotional activities.

4. Ensure effective communications governance and operational support by maintaining accurate documentation and records in accordance with legislative, information management and security requirements, and undertaking duties outside standard working hours, including participation in an after-hours media response roster as required.

About You

We are seeking applicants who have demonstrated experience from the following criteria: 

1. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Takes into account wider business context within business unit when considering options to resolve issues. Identifies recurring problems and prevents future recurrence by integrating solutions into work process. Delivers tangible business outcomes as a result of critically evaluating problems from multiple perspectives and delivering effective solutions.  
2. Project Delivery: Translates strategies into programs or projects that enables achievement of outcomes required; defines governance e.g. success measures, roles and responsibilities, progress monitoring) required to manage risks and maximise probability of success.  
3. Political and Organisational Context: Uses formal and informal influencing relationships and decision-making processes; ensures solutions or actions adhere to values, ethics, responsibilities, legal obligations and limits that apply to an organisation; considers priorities and interests of various groups and key individuals.  
4. Communicate with Impact: Makes a positive impression on others and comes across with credibility; communicates orally in a manner that is clear fluent and holds the listeners’ attention; able to deal with difficult and sensitive topics and questions.  
5. Stakeholder Management: Identifies issues in common for one or more clients or stakeholders and uses them to build mutually beneficial partnerships; identifies and responds to stakeholder’s underlying needs; uses understanding of the stakeholder’s organisational context to ensure outcomes are achieved.  

Technical Skills –

• Ability to lead on communication initiatives and manage external stakeholder relationships with minimal direction, demonstrating sound judgement and identifying and securing potential risks and issues as required.

Desirable requirements

• A relevant tertiary qualification in media, marketing or government communications would be highly regarded.

This role is a Fixed Term position until 4/02/2028.

 This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

For more information, please see the Position Description. 

How to apply 

Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on Sunday 22 November 2026. All applications should include:  

·       a resume; and  

·       a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages).

Other relevant information

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing role is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.  Preferred applicants will be required to undertake pre-employment screening. DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including people with disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.