Senior Communications Advisor

Job Details

Job Req ID

NEMA - 141785

Location

ACT 

Employment Type

Ongoing, Full-time 

Classification

APS Level 6 - $99,734.00 to $111,701.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

Pamela Hill at Pamela.hill@nema.gov.au  

Office Arrangements

Hybrid  - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 

Applications close on 27/07/2026 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 1 immediate position/s. 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.

About the National Emergency Management Agency

The National Emergency Management Agency's work has a real impact on the lives of Australians, particularly those living in rural and regional areas.

The National Emergency Management Agency's guiding principle is “Locally led, locally understood and locally implemented” and we bring together local communities, government, non-government and key industry representatives to support disaster recovery and resilience across the country.

Your work will help people who are recovering from natural disasters and prepare them for the future.

National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) was established on 1 September 2022 as a single, accountable Commonwealth authority that delivers a whole-of-nation approach to reducing disaster risk, planning, preparing for, responding to and recovering from all hazards across the emergency management continuum. 

NEMA works closely with states and territories to deliver the best outcome for communities across Australia. To help communities respond and recover, while preparing Australia for future emergencies, we:

• Fund programs and initiatives, big and small, that help communities in times of emergency, as well as to recover and prepare, including through disaster recovery funding and the Disaster Ready Fund to help reduce the risk and impact of disasters
• Have officers located across Australia, working in partnership with states and territories to support disaster-affected communities to collectively build resilience, reduce risk and harm, and effectively respond to and recover from disasters
• Provide national leadership to share knowledge, situational awareness, and trends in disaster efforts to inform, guide and shape the national picture and decision-making at the Commonwealth, state and local government level – including through policy development and strategy to improve risk reduction, resilience and recovery
• Provide round-the-clock all-hazards monitoring and operational coordination for domestic and international emergencies, including supply chain disruptions, critical infrastructure outages, biosecurity risks and widespread cyber-attacks, and through supporting preparedness and response activities, including through the operationalisation of the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework.
   

For further information on NEMA’s purpose, vision and values, please see the NEMA website.

Overview of the branch and section

The Strategic Communications Section sits within the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA) Media, Communications and Engagement Branch. The branch provides expert public, internal, executive, stakeholder and media communication advice to business, policy and program areas to support agency priorities.

The section develops and maintains strong relationships with business and program areas across NEMA. It develops and implements communication strategies that support the agency’s key objectives and works collaboratively across the branch to ensure communication activities are aligned and coordinated.

About the role

The Senior Communications Advisor supports the development and implementation of communication strategies for Australia’s national warning system, AusAlert and broader NEMA priorities. Working under the direction of the Assistant Director, Strategic Communications, the role applies sound judgement to coordinate strategic communication priorities and activities, develop clear and consistent messaging and support effective outcomes across the AusAlert program and other NEMA initiatives.

The role contributes to the continuous improvement of communication processes and capabilities by providing practical high-quality advice to program areas. The Senior Communications Advisor also provides surge communication support during periods of heightened operational demand, system changes, national testing or incident response, ensuring communication activities are timely, accurate and aligned to key organisational priorities.

Our ideal candidate

To be successful in this role, the successful candidate will demonstrate self-motivation, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment. They will use sound judgement, initiative and problem-solving skills to support the development and delivery of communication activities that are clear, consistent and aligned with organisational priorities.

The role requires strong communication coordination and organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and produce high-quality work with attention to detail.

We encourage applications from First Nations people, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, mature age people and people from other diverse backgrounds. We are committed to providing a working environment that values diversity and inclusion and supports staff to reach their full potential.

Duties and responsibilities

The Senior Communications Advisor is responsible for:

• Developing, implementing and evaluating communication strategies for internal and external audiences, that are clear, targeted and aligned with agency priorities
• Preparing and coordinating communication materials, including talking points, speeches, articles, digital content and other products, while working collaboratively across the branch to ensure their timely development and delivery in support of strategic communication objectives
• Building and maintaining effective relationships across the agency and with key external stakeholders, using strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and levels of seniority
• Providing practical communication advice and support to the branch, agency stakeholders and senior leadership in a fast-paced and rapidly evolving crisis environment
• Collaborating with team members and senior colleagues to identify issues or concerns and develop solutions that support agency objectives.

Role requirements/responsibilities

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, marketing or similar discipline is highly desirable
• Demonstrated experience in strategic communications, particularly within a government context. Account management experience is highly desirable
• Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of communication strategies
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
• An understanding of how to write for different audiences and apply best practice approaches across a range of communication channels
• High level written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write and edit clear, accurate and engaging content
• A strong interest in supporting Australian communities in the context of natural hazards and disaster response
• A commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.

Assessment Process

The recruitment selection process for this round may include one or more of the following:

• Applicant response
• Interview
• Work sample assessment
• Reference checks.

Applicant response

As part of your application, you will be required to prepare a one-page response document (minimum 11pt font in Microsoft Word or PDF format), which you will upload in the next section.

Please ensure you read the instructions carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible.

Please prepare a one-page Applicant Response in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

• How your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role
• Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
• Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.

How to apply

Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level Standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership System information relevant to the classification as well as the APSC guidance on Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment. You are required to submit your application in the online recruitment system (ourPeople).

As part of your application, you will need to provide:

• Your CV
• Your Applicant Response document
• Details of two referees
• A copy of your qualification
• Include your full name and the Requisition Number – NEMA - 141785 in the footer of any documents being uploaded.

Diversity and inclusion

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Eligibility

To be eligible to work with the NEMA you must:

• Be an Australian Citizen
• Fulfil the Agency's minimum requirements by satisfactorily answering all screening questions during the application process and successfully undergo a National Police Check
• Obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance
• Satisfy a probation period (if applicable)
• Undergo a health assessment (if applicable).

Technical assistance

If you are experiencing problems submitting your application online, please email the nature of the issues you are experiencing to recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au including screen captures if necessary. A response will be sent during business hours.

Notes

The Agency offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position.

If you have identified as having a disability, please indicate whether you require any support throughout the selection process. For further information please contact recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au.