The Opportunity

The APVMA’s Business Enabling Services program is seeking applications for a Director Engagement and Communications to manage and provide strategic communication, media, and stakeholder engagement advice.

Located in either Canberra ACT or regional Armidale NSW, you will gain experience in the Australian Public Service, have access to a variety of flexible working arrangements, and gain invaluable experience taking on a key organisational role, working in close collaboration with the CEO and Senior Executives.

The Role

The Director Engagement and Communications supports the work of the APVMA and the delivery of its strategic objectives, working with staff at the executive level to develop and implement internal and external communications, media, and stakeholder engagement activities and initiatives.

Other core functions include, but are not limited to:

• Provide high-quality communication products including, but not limited to, media releases, news items, website content, the APVMA Gazette, talking points, and media responses.
• Provide secretariat support and implementation of the APVMA’s stakeholder engagement model, including delivery of formal discussion forums and working groups across agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemical stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver strategic policies that facilitate effective communications through multiple communication products and channels with stakeholders.

Our ideal candidate

To be a strong contender for the role, you will have:

1. Strong track-record of success in managing media, public affairs, stakeholder engagement activities, and developing strategic communications products and strategies.
2. Highly developed leadership and management skills that demonstrate a commitment to developing staff.
3. Demonstrated ability to work closely with the agency’s CEO and Senior Executives to deliver on the agency’s objectives.
4. Well-developed interpretative, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including a proven ability to synthesise information, draft appropriate communication products, and provide accurate, timely and pragmatic advice with diplomacy.
5. Demonstrated high-level interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, including the ability to build rapport, influence, negotiate, and confidently translate sometimes complex and sensitive information for a variety of audiences.
6. Excellent organisation, research, interpersonal and administrative skills, including the demonstrated ability to be flexible, set priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.

For more information, go to our careers page.

Want to know more?

At the APVMA, we value your skills and potential. We provide a collaborative and growth-oriented environment where your contributions are recognized and appreciated.

If the prospect of working for a world-class regulator sounds like you and you're ready to take the next step in your career, apply for this position today! Applications close on 23 March 2025.

For further information on the position, please contact Kilifoti Eteuati, A/g Chief Operating Officer on +61 2 6770 2470 or [email protected].

We look forward to receiving your application and exploring the possibility of welcoming you to our team!

Please note that this role is being advertised as either ongoing or non-ongoing. If an offer of non-ongoing employment is made, the successful applicant could be employed for an initial period of up to 12 months, which may be extended in accordance with subsection 333E (1) of the Fair Work Act 2009. The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised, may also be used to fill future similar ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies.