About the Position
The Australian Research Council (ARC) is seeking an experienced leader to immediately fill the position of Director, Communications.
We are looking for a motivated and innovative leader who understands and appreciates the opportunities and challenges of a smaller agency to help shape our direction for the future.
This is a unique career opportunity to lead a small team in the delivery of a dynamic program of work focused on leading and managing whole of agency external communications activities to:
Translate and promote the value and benefit of ARC-funded research to the ARC's stakeholders, including the research community, policymakers, and the Australian public.Strengthen strategic engagement, consistent with the ARC Strategy 2022-2025, to ensure the ARC meets the needs and expectations of the government, the research sector, and the Australian community.The role will require excellent leadership skills and strong capability to work collaboratively with staff in the Branch and across the ARC to ensure strategic management of issues.
Effective engagement with external stakeholders is essential.
The key duties of the position include:Key Duties and Tasks Lead development, delivery and management of timely, high-quality external communication advice, including speech writing, feature writing, research highlights and case studies.Lead both proactive and reactive communication initiatives, including media, and managing responses to emerging issues.Produce high-quality content across multiples channels including digital, social media, traditional media, and other strategic communications.Develop and implement strategic plans and guidance materials to ensure effective communication and engagement.Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including in the higher education and research sector and other government agencies.Lead, develop and mentor staff, providing timely and constructive feedback and managing performance.Required Skills and Knowledge Proven ability to communicate with influence, negotiate outcomes and manage complex stakeholder relationships.Ability to synthesise complex information into practical guidance and advice, translating technical concepts into clear and concise language for diverse audiences.Experience in leading teams and supporting team members to deliver on organisational outcomes in a fast-paced environment.A strategic mindset to see beyond the immediate area to anticipate the needs of the broader agency and lead accordingly.A demonstrated ability to work independently while managing competing and demanding priorities.Sound judgement and discretion, and ability to assess risk and take a balanced approach to decision making.Understanding of the ARC's role in the Australian research landscape and the associated strategic direction and priorities of the agency, or the ability to gain this knowledge within a short period of time.Our ideal candidate Our ideal candidate is a self-motivated and strategically minded leader with an ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders to deliver on priorities.
You are an innovator, adept at improving ways of working to achieve better outcomes.
You ask questions, share ideas, embrace opportunities and connect your team to the 'the big picture'.
You can bring out the best in others and contribute to building a positive and productive culture.
You display personal drive and integrity, adapting to change, embodying APS values and demonstrating commitment to the APS Code of Conduct.
We are looking for someone who is:
Collaborative – You are an effective communicator and build productive relationships.
You can find common goals and co-design solutions to achieve outcomes.
You readily share information and drawn on the knowledge, ideas and expertise of others.Enthusiastic – You will be motivated and will motivate others.
You bring personal drive and integrity to all aspects of your work and demonstrate clear commitment to the goals and purpose of the ARC.Proactive - You show good judgment, can prioritise, and respond quickly as priorities emerge.
You are accountable for your areas of responsibility and understand its connection to the broader operating environment.Additional Requirements Must be an Australia citizen.Must undergo a Police check.Must hold or be able to obtain a Baseline Commonwealth Security Clearance.Getting to know the Australian Research CouncilThe role of Australian Research Council (ARC) provides advice to Government on research matters and delivers policy and programs that advances Australian research and innovation globally, as well as benefit the Australian community.
The ARC funds the highest quality research through the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP), a core component of the Australian Government's investment in research and innovation.
We also evaluated the quality, engagement and impact of research, through the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) and the Engagement and Impact (EI) assessment, by comparing Australia's university research effort against international benchmarks.
Our people are experts in their fields and enjoy challenging work.
We work together to share knowledge and build our capability to support the research sector.
This helps us work smarter and more effectively.
We are located in Canberra and our culture is inclusive and supportive.
Our people are confident, capable and committed.
We nurture curiosity and encourage our people to keep learning.
We are the flexible workplace champions for 2019 and have flexible work arrangements and a supportive environment.
We help our people balance their whole life and be the best version of themselves.
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