The Role

We want to hear from people who are capable of defining a fresh and contemporary strategic approach to communications that supports Defence’s Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) Strategy. In this role, you will lead a large and geographically dispersed team offering full spectrum science communications, and work closely across the organization’s leadership and business areas to deliver a wide communications and engagement program.

As a senior leader you will:

• Lead Defence’s Science Communications program where science achievements, employer of choice, and partnerships with industry and academia are promoted through a range of media channels, including print, internet and social media.
• Support leadership engagement through the design and delivery of high reputation engagement by DSTG and Defence senior leadership.
• Lead events and sponsorships through the delivery of DSTG’s flagship event ADSTAR, helping deliver DSTG’s presence at the major Defence events Avalon, IndoPac and Land Forces, and guide and govern DSTG’s sponsorship program.
• Lead DSTG’s high reputation visits program involving Defence Leadership, Minister and VIP attendance at DSTG sites, and bi-annual VIP visitor days.
• Lead DSTG’s awards and recognition program which includes internal and external award events, developing an awards pipeline strategy and associated communications.
• Deliver internal staff communications through corporate activities and programs, a content pipeline featuring a staff magazine, and bespoke internal platforms.
• Lead the publication of science and technology technical reports, reviews and papers.
• Lead DSTG’s innovation, science and technology focused media generation teams,
• including graphic designers, videographers and photographers and external support.
• Work collaboratively with other related areas across Defence to leverage media and Ministerial communication expertise, media generation support, and speechwriting services.

This role will work collaboratively with the Ministerial Engagement and Corporate Communications Division to provide coordinated science communications and advocacy.

About our Team

As a multidisciplinary team of trusted communication experts, Defence Science Communications partners with internal and external stakeholders to produce diverse, dynamic and engaging communication that enables collaboration, shapes attitudes, builds relationships and promotes trust in Defence. Defence Science Communications consists of five teams:

Defence Science Communications consists of five teams located at DSTG’s major sites of Fishermans Bend (VIC), Edinburgh (SA) and Fairbairn (ACT). The teams consist of:

• Strategic communications
• Events, Visits, Awards and Sponsorships
• ADSTAR and Major Events
• Digital
• Design, Production and S&T Publications.

Our Ideal Candidate

Suitable candidate will have demonstrated high-level experience in leading strategic science communications programs and events. Interest or experience in innovation, science and technology or engagement with industry and academia will compliment your strong communications background.

The ideal candidate will be:

• An excellent communicator with proven experience in stakeholder liaison who are able to extract key issues, shape key messaging, and exert influence
• A thought leader and critical thinker who is able to convey complex ideas succinctly and in ways that are accessible by existing and future stakeholders
• Accomplished in providing considered timely advice to stakeholders
• Energised, responsive, resilient and well-organised
• An experienced and effective leader with an outstanding track record in building culture and high performing teams
• Experience in managing a reactive workflow and building a proactive work program across multiple lines of business
• Be aware, and have an understanding of, the DSTG and Defence strategic environment.

Application Closing Date: Sunday 22 June 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference DSTG/04787/25 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=443E7AC6-C973-B10A-AB22-E3EC162B59C3