Lead the development and delivery of strategic and operational communications and engagement activities to support the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) initiatives, programs and services across the department (Schools, corporate workforce and Early Learning Victoria (ELV) centres).
- Part Time Fixed Term position 0.8 FTE
- Commencing 2 November 2026 until 25 June 2027
Employee Safety and Wellbeing Division is committed to the department's vision to create safe, healthy and respectful working environments for department employees to thrive and succeed.
The Division's functions span from prevention, through to response and recovery, along with health and safety advice and support. These teams adopt a holistic approach for supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of our workforce across schools, Early Learning Victoria centres, and central and regional offices. This includes Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Workers' Compensation policy advice and support, for both physical and psychological health and wellbeing. The objectives of the Division are to:
- promote positive wellbeing in working environments
- prevent against known and expected risks to health, safety and wellbeing
- respond swiftly and effectively to manage potential issues as they emerge and prevent injuries
- support employees to recover from injury and illness, and return to work
- promote respectful workplaces that uphold equal opportunity and prevents discrimination, bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.
About the Role
An exciting four day (30.4 hours) per week opportunity exists to be the Communications and Engagement Specialist within the Employee Safety and Wellbeing Division. This critical role leads the development and delivery of strategic and operational communications and engagement activities to support the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) initiatives, programs and services across the department (Schools, corporate workforce and Early Learning Victoria (ELV) centres).
The role plays a pivotal part in promoting awareness, understanding and adoption of OHS policies, systems and legislative requirements by delivering high-quality communication and engagement strategies that support organisational change and continuous improvement.
The Communications and Engagement Specialist also provides expert advice to senior leaders, project teams and stakeholders on communication planning, stakeholder engagement and change management. The role develops clear, accessible and audience-focused communication products that translate complex policy, technical and legislative information into practical guidance for departmental staff, schools and other key stakeholders.
The role builds collaborative relationships across the Employee Safety, Wellbeing Division, and broader department internal and external stakeholders, to ensure communication and engagement activities support improved hea lth and safety outcomes.
The role is within an OHS Policy and Engagement Team and may also be required to develop OHS policies, procedures and training that support the health and safety of school, corporate and ELV centre staff.
The key accountabilities of the role (which may evolve over time) include:
- Leading the development and implementation of communication and engagement strategies that support the delivery of OHS policies, programs and initiatives.
- Provide expert communications and stakeholder engagement advice to senior leaders, project teams and subject matter experts
- Develop high-quality communication products including communication plans, web content, presentations, speaking notes, and guidance materials for policy.
- Translate complex policy, legislative and technical information into clear, practical communications for the intended audience (schools, corporate staff and Early learning Victoria staff)
- Build strong collaborative relationships across the division and broader department to support successful project outcomes
- Provision of OHS advice and support in relation to both psychological and physical health including interpretation of legislation and policies.
- Development of clear OHS policies and guidance for three sectors (schools, corporate and ELV centres).
- Key capabilities of this role include:
- Demonstrated experience developing and delivering strategic communication and engagement initiatives
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise, and engaging content for different audiences and communicate insights and recommendations in written briefs, reports and options papers to enable effective decision-making.
- Managing people, including holding self and team accountable to public sector values, performance standards and establishing processes to achieve outcomes.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, through affective communication
- Contributing advanced communication expertise and knowledge to strategic planning and decision-making processes.
- High level project management skills to plan and deliver communication projects including strong contract management skills, identifying risks, establishing governance, monitoring, evaluating performance and ensuring continuous improvement.
This role requires:
- Relevant qua lification in communications or equivalent professional experience.
- Demonstrated experience with stakeholder management and a proven capacity to effectively influence others.
If you require any reasonable adjustment through the recruitment process, please contact Melissa Gaddie on (03) 7022 1053 to enable us to assist you.
How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter summarising their skills and experience.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page.
Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.
Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.vic.gov.au.
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.
Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday 20 September 2026.
