- An ideal role for a media and communications professional to develop and deliver content across diverse channels to achieve impact for IGWC outcomes.
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Work with an independent integrity agency in a complex legislative environment
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Flexible working arrangements and regional relocation assistance available
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Working in a large geographical issues rich media and communications environment
Who we are
The Inspector-General of Water Compliance (Inspector-General) is an independent statutory role and an identified integrity agency, supported by staff provided by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (the Department). Inspector-General’s vision: Water management and use within the Murray-Darling Basin is lawful, transparent, and accountable, and the Australian public is confident in the integrity of Basin Plan delivery. Inspector-General’s purpose: The Inspector-General ensures various government bodies, water managers and users in the Murray-Darling Basin (the Basin) comply with their obligations under the Water Act 2007 (Cth) (Water Act) and the Basin Plan 2012 (Cth) (Basin Plan) and drives governments and water managers to uphold high standards of integrity and performance. The Inspector-General’s role includes oversighting the performance of government agencies in the management of Basin water resources, as well as ensuring compliance with various commitments under legislation. The Inspector-General currently has offices located in Adelaide, Albury, Brisbane, Canberra, Dubbo, Goondiwindi, Melbourne, Mildura and Sydney. The Inspector-General can support regional relocation to one of our Basin communities.
The Media and Communications team is responsible for leading and managing Inspector-General of Water Compliance media and communications activities, including media and issues management, corporate and internal communications, targeted media and communications projects, creative content development, graphic design, and social media.
The Media and Communications team is responsible for:
- Supporting specialised community outreach activities, corporate special events, and directly supporting the Inspector-General as required.
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Working closely with business areas to develop and deliver targeted internal and external communications activities (including media work) to improve community and stakeholder awareness of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance.
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Improve knowledge of the Murray-Darling Basin and Basin Plan in the context of the Inspector-General’s work, powers and responsibilities.
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Raise awareness of successful regulatory and enforcement work by the Inspector-General of Water Compliance and Basin-wide agencies, that support the successful delivery of the Basin Plan.
For more information about us please visit our website.
The job
The Assistant Director, Media and Communications supports the Media and Communications Director in the development, coordination and delivery of media and corporate internal and external communications activities of the Inspector-General, and the office that supports the role. The role is ideal for someone who can demonstrate their experience and proven ability to:
- Provide strategic media and communications leadership, advice and support to Executive leadership, senior managers and business areas across the Inspector-General of Water Compliance (IGWC), ensuring communication activities align with organisational priorities, regulatory objectives and government expectations.
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Lead the development, implementation and evaluation of integrated media and communications strategies, plans and campaigns that promote the outcomes of the Inspector-General's annual work plan and strengthen stakeholder awareness, trust and confidence in the role and functions of the agency.
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Oversee the production of high-quality, evidence-based communication products, ensuring accuracy, consistency, accessibility and alignment with government communications standards, corporate branding requirements and organisational messaging.
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Exercise sound judgement and provide authoritative advice on complex, sensitive and emerging media, communications and reputational issues, including matters relating to Murray-Darling Basin water management, regulatory activities and public interest issues.
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Establish and maintain productive relationships with senior stakeholders, including Executive leadership, government agencies, regional and metropolitan media representatives, community groups, industry stakeholders and subject matter experts to support organisational objectives and communication outcomes.
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Lead the identification, assessment and promotion of strategic media opportunities that highlight the work, achievements and impact of the Inspector-General, contributing to increased public understanding and confidence in Basin-wide water management and regulatory oversight.
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Significantly contribute to the development and delivery of multimedia communication products, including digital, social media, video, audio, web and print content, ensuring communications are audience-focused, innovative and delivered through appropriate channels.
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Lead the preparation of speeches, media releases, talking points, briefing materials and other high-profile communication products for the Inspector-General and Executive team, demonstrating strong political awareness and understanding of complex policy and regulatory issues.
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Monitor the external environment and provide strategic insights on emerging issues, stakeholder sentiment, media trends and communications risks, recommending proactive engagement strategies and mitigation approaches where required.
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Drive continuous improvement across media and communications functions by identifying, implementing and embedding best-practice approaches, new technologies and innovative communication channels that enhance organisational effectiveness and stakeholder engagement.
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Provide leadership in the development and execution of internal communications strategies that support organisational change, employee engagement and the effective communication of key corporate priorities across a geographically dispersed workforce.
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Represent the Media and Communications function in corporate planning, governance and Executive-level discussions, ensuring communication considerations are integrated into agency-wide strategies, projects and initiatives.
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Act on behalf of the Media and Communications Director when required, demonstrating the capacity to contribute effectively to Executive leadership discussions, organisational decision-making and strategic planning activities.
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Manage competing priorities, resources, budgets and workflow within the communications function to ensure the effective and timely delivery of business outcomes.
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Lead, coach and develop staff, fostering a high-performance culture that promotes accountability, collaboration, capability development and continuous improvement consistent with APS Values and Employment Principles.
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Exercise appropriate delegations and decision-making authority, taking responsibility for the quality and integrity of work outcomes while escalating matters requiring higher-level consideration.
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Collaborate with internal business areas, project teams, consultants and external service providers to deliver strategic communications initiatives and support broader organisational objectives.
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Undertake occasional interstate travel and out-of-hours work, including across the Murray-Darling Basin, to support agency operations, media activities and stakeholder engagement requirements.
What you’ll gain from the experience
- Work across a diverse mix of traditional and emerging media, staying ahead of communication trends and growth opportunities to propose your own well-considered and evidence-based innovative solutions.
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Collaborate with diverse teams and subject matter experts to build trust and confidence in Basin-wide water management and support delivery of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
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Contribute to shaping the strategic direction of media and communications for the Inspector-General of Water Compliance.
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Work within a complex regulatory environment and translate technical legislation into plain English for distribution to, and consumption of, a diverse geopolitical audience.
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Enhance your ability to manage competing priorities and deliver clear, accessible communications on complex water regulatory issues.
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Experience working in geographically dispersed team and foster strong collaboration.
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Exposure to creating and delivering dynamic and engaging content across a range of digital and traditional mediums.
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Exposure to working closely with nation-wide media with a strong focus on developing relationships and opportunities with Basin-wide regional media.
What we are looking for
We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:
Knowledge, Experience and Capabilities
- Demonstrated experience in senior media, communications or public affairs roles, preferably within government, regulatory or complex policy environments.
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Proven ability to lead communication functions and teams, delivering strategic and operational media and communication outcomes in fast-paced, issues-rich settings.
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Highly developed expertise in media relations, reputation management, and crisis communications, with experience developing and implementing communication strategies, plans and campaigns.
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Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical, legislative or policy information into clear, audience-focused content across a range of channels and formats.
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Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior executives, subject matter experts and diverse stakeholders to deliver consistent and impactful messaging.
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Proven capacity to analyse media and stakeholder insights, exercise sound judgement, manage organisational risk, and respond effectively to emerging issues.
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Experience producing and overseeing high-quality content across traditional, digital and social media platforms, leveraging contemporary communication approaches to support organisational objectives.
Mandatory qualifications
- Relevant tertiary or professional qualifications, including communications, journalism or similar.
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Hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers’ licence.
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Hold and maintain a ‘Provide First Aid’ certification (or equivalent) or the ability to obtain one within 12-months of engagement or direction.
Additional requirements
- Relevant tertiary or professional qualifications in communications, journalism or similar, including demonstrable work experience in media, communications or public affairs are highly desirable.
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Hold and maintain a ‘Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)’ certification (or equivalent) or the ability to obtain one within 12 months of engagement or direction.
Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.
Security Clearance - this position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.
Mandatory qualifications – your suitability for employment will be dependent on you holding relevant mandatory qualifications.
Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment
You may use AI tools to support your participation in this recruitment process, unless advised otherwise. If you use AI, you must ensure your use is transparent, authentic and truthful, and that all information reflects your own skills and experience.
The department may use AI in a limited, transparent and responsible way to support parts of this recruitment process. AI does not make decisions - all assessments and selection outcomes are made by people.
For more information, see:
- Artificial Intelligence Transparency Statement
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AI in recruitment | Australian Public Service Commission
