Position overview

Our role is to lead and direct strategic communications, engagement and media activities that support CHS to achieve its goals.

We are a dedicated, fun, hard-working team committed to supporting CHS staff to deliver business objectives and help drive positive cultural change through effective, timely and progressive communication activities.

We work hard to ensure the Canberra community is well informed on government programs, policies and services, and has meaningful opportunities to inform decision making. We listen to the people of Canberra and are their voice in government. We value ongoing learning and will support you to grow your career.

This role combines strategic communication and stakeholder engagement responsibilities. The Assistant Director leads the design, planning, delivery and evaluation of integrated internal and external communication and engagement activities to support major projects and organisational priorities. This role provides high-level advice to senior leaders and works collaboratively across government to ensure clear, consistent and audience-focused communication and meaningful engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.

Under direction of the Director, Content & Engagement, you will:

• Lead the design, planning, implementation and evaluation of internal and external stakeholder engagement activities to support major projects and initiatives.
• Actively consult with internal and external stakeholders to support informed decision-making, collaboration and co-design.
• Provide high-quality strategic communication and engagement advice to Senior Directors, Executives and senior colleagues.
• Apply and maintain stakeholder engagement frameworks aligned to project delivery and whole-of-government approaches.
• Develop and deliver project-specific internal and external communication and engagement plans.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams to produce high-quality written and digital content for a range of internal and external audiences, ensuring messages are clear, accessible and audience focused.
• Ensure all engagement content and activities align to best practice and ACT government policies around accessibility, plain English and style.
• Collaborate and consult across the team to gather insights and input into strategies to get the best communication and engagement outcomes.
• Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of communication and engagement activities, using insights to inform continuous improvement.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following.

• Proven track record in designing and implementing internal and external engagement activities.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to tailor content for different audiences, channels and purposes.
• Ability to think strategically and provide sound, evidence-based advice to senior leaders on complex communication and engagement challenges.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience facilitating consultation, co-design and collaboration processes.
• Confidence engaging with senior stakeholders and navigating complex issues.
• Experience monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of engagement activities and using data and insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Sound organisational skills, including the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks, and determine priorities.
• Ability to appropriately handle sensitive material with confidentiality, showing sound judgement and integrity.
• Proven ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, contributing to shared goals while managing your own workload independently.

Qualifications

Specific qualifications include, but are not limited to, the following.

Essential

• Relevant education qualifications in Engagement, Communications or a related field

Desirable

• Accreditation or qualifications under the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) is highly desirable

Experience

Specific experience includes but is not limited to the following.

Essential

• Several years’ work experience in a similar role and role environment

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework, and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• be available for weekend and/or after-hours work as part of an on-call roster.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Demonstrated skills and experience in leading community and stakeholder engagement activities, including managing all aspects of planning, implementation and evaluation for complex projects or initiatives.
2. Demonstrated experience in designing, delivering and evaluating strategic communication strategies and plans across multiple channels, including excellent written and oral communication skills.
3. Excellent interpersonal, consultation and networking skills, with a collaborative working style and the ability to build effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
4. Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, manage multiple priorities and demands, and deliver outcomes in a fast‑paced and complex environment.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.