Executive Level 1 - Assistant Director, First Nations Communications_EXT
Vacancy information
Position title: Executive Level 1 - Assistant Director, First Nations Communications_EXT
Job Requisition ID: 1439
Location: Flexible location
Tenure: Temporary for a period of 12 months with the possibility of becomming ongoing
Our Opportunity
The Assistant Director, First Nations Communications is a newly created role dedicated to coordinating and leading communication with First Nations audiences, and communication related to Indigenous Knowledge.
The role is responsible for working collaboratively across the agency and with other government partners, IP Australia's Indigenous Knowledge Panel and communities and stakeholders to:
• connect First Nations audiences with the work of IP Australia and build awareness and understanding of the benefits of IP Rights and how to register them
• craft culturally safe and effective communications strategies and products and identify appropriate channels to reach First Nations audiences
• support business development and outreach activities with First Nations businesses and communities ensuring appropriate information, tools and materials are developed, evaluated and maintained
• provide communication support for IP Australia's Indigenous Knowledge Panel and IP Australia's First Nations Strategy
• drive communication and support engagement activities in collaboration with policy experts, related to possible legislative and policy changes around Indigenous Knowledge as it relates to IP
• develop and deliver culturally safe internal communications strategies to celebrate the contributions of First Nations peoples and recognise culturally significant events within the agency
• inspire and mentor communications staff.
The role mentors and manages a rotating APS Level 6 role (not affirmative measures Indigenous), that provides support to communications projects. We are piloting this approach to build the cultural capability of staff already within IP Australia by providing the opportunity for them to work on projects dedicated to improving communication and engagement with First Nations audiences and be mentored by a First Nations communications professional.
The role has been established for an initial 12 months as a pilot and may be extended on an ongoing basis. If the role is offered to a current APS employee, a temporary Section 26 transfer will be offered with the possibility of it becoming permanent.
At the end of the recruitment process, a merit pool of suitable candidates may be created. Those found suitable will be advised that they have been placed in the pool. The merit pool is valid for 18 months from the date the process was advertised. The merit pool may be used throughout the period to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions in the event positions become vacant.
Job specific capabilities
We are looking for someone with:
• cultural knowledge and experience of engaging sensitively and productively with First Nations communities, businesses and individuals
• qualifications, and or demonstrated working knowledge in communications, stakeholder engagement or related field
• highly developed leadership skills and the ability to work across boundaries to deliver outcomes, mentor and inspire others
• strong communications strategy and stakeholder liaison skills
• excellent written and verbal communication skills
• the ability to plan, prioritise, negotiate and deliver work to meet deadlines
• the ability to be dynamic and flexible in response to changing priorities
• the ability to develop and manage key relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including the ability to negotiate persuasively.
Looking for more information?
Our candidate kit contains details including the capabilities required, the contact officer, and how to apply.
Please use the link below to access the candidate kit:
1439 - Assistant Director - Communications, First Nations Candidate Kit
Applications Close
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 26/10/2025