Title:  Head of First Peoples' Communications, Campaigns 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. Learn new skills, build meaningful connections and thrive alongside passionate colleagues united by a shared purpose.

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 Head of First Peoples’ Communications will lead the Communications team for First Peoples - State Relations (FPSR) Group priorities, particularly in building awareness and understanding of Treaty-Truth-Voice in Victoria, as well as contributing to the overall management of the branch.  

The role reports to Chief Communications Officer and Chief of Protocol and liaises directly with FPSR executives. It provides expert support and advice across First Peoples’ communications and media to senior stakeholders in relation to wide ranging strategic and operational matters. 

The First Peoples – State Relations Group recognises the invaluable contribution of existing Aboriginal staff and is committed to promoting Aboriginal leadership as reflected in the Group’s executive team. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and strongly encourage all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people interested in these positions to apply. We support flexible working arrangements and strongly encourage people living in both metropolitan and regional areas within Victoria to apply. We are committed to empowering staff from all diverse backgrounds, promoting cultural safety and supporting ongoing learning for all staff.  

Key Accountabilities

1. Lead the First Peoples’ Communications team within SCEP and contribute to the executive management of the division. Provide strategic leadership across SCEP and FPSR, driving contemporary communication, campaign and media practices and ensuring alignment with government priorities.
2. Lead the development and delivery of contemporary communication, campaign and media strategies that build awareness and understanding of Treaty, Truth and Voice in Victoria, as well as other major priorities across FPSR, DPC and the VPS. Provide proactive, coordinated internal communications and education to build understanding across government.
3. Provide expert, timely and strategic communications advice to DPC executives, Ministers, the Premier and Cabinet. Maintain sustained support for a cohesive, whole-of-government narrative led by DPC across Aboriginal Affairs-related communications, including Treaty and non-Treaty matters and Aboriginal cultural heritage, ensuring consistency across the First Peoples portfolio.
4. Develop and maintain strong networks and trusted relationships across DPC, its agencies, the Premier’s and Ministers’ Private Offices, other government departments and key stakeholders. Drive continuous improvement, mentor managers and emerging leaders, identify and develop talent, and foster effective collaboration and a high-performing, cohesive communications function.

About You

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

• 1. Strategic communications expertise – Extensive experience in strategic communications, media, transformation strategy and delivery within complex environments.
  2. Stakeholder engagement and influence – Highly developed stakeholder engagement, influencing and negotiation skills, with demonstrated ability to build relationships, drive change and achieve outcomes.
  3. Strategic planning and delivery – Demonstrated senior-level experience in planning, project management and delivering complex communications programs, including monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement.
  4. Leadership and people capability – Proven experience leading, mentoring and developing high-performing communications teams in diverse, dynamic and complex organisational environments.
  5. Exceptional communication and advisory skills – Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to provide timely, accurate and trusted advice and develop high-quality, innovative communications strategies, briefs, content and materials across multiple channels.

Desirable requirements 

9. 1. Knowledge, awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and aspirations, including lived experience.  

1. 2. Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders in community or government setting.  
   3. A relevant tertiary level qualification. 

This role is an ongoing position. 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 20 September 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.