Assistant Director Strategic Communication, – Department of Defence
📌 Vacancy Fact Sheet
- Reference Number: VN-0770687
- Agency: Department of Defence
- Job Title: Assistant Director Strategic Communication,
- Position Number: GG/03489/26
- Classification: Executive Level 1
- Closing Date: Thursday 23 July 2026
- Job Type: Full-Time, Ongoing
- Location: Russell ACT
- Future Merit Locations: Russell
- Salary: $124,393 – $140,315
- Office Arrangement: On Site (Defence is committed to supporting workplace)
About Department of Defence
The Strategic Communication Insights and Planning (SCIP) team supports deliberate and
cohesive Defence strategic communication to progress the priorities of the National Defence
Strategy and contribute to Australia’s Strategy of Denial.
SCIP operates across three integrated lines of effort—insights, plans and preparedness—to
strengthen Defence’s ability to understand, plan and deliver effective communication in an
increasingly complex information environment.
Insights: The team drives research and evaluation to improve Defence’s understanding of
key audiences and the broader information environment. This includes advancing best
practice methodologies, developing enterprise capabilities such as Information Environment
Assessment, driving research initiatives, and engaging with domestic and international
partners to benchmark and adopt leading approaches.
Plans: SCIP provides enterprise-level guidance, frameworks and tools to enable consistent,
integrated strategic communication across Defence. This includes development of
enterprise-level communication strategies, planning approaches and practitioner resources,
as well as fostering strong collaboration and information exchange across Defence and
whole-of-government stakeholders.
Preparedness: The team leads efforts to strengthen Defence’s communication readiness
across the spectrum of military operations. This includes driving thought leadership,
improving planning and governance processes, supporting capability development and
training pathways, and coordinating cross-Defence forums to enhance preparedness.
Working at the centre of Defence’s strategic communication ecosystem, SCIP collaborates
extensively across Defence, other Australian Government agencies and international partners to
deliver forward-looking, evidence-based capability that enhances Defence’s ability to operate
effectively in the information environment.
Our Ideal Candidate
We are seeking a motivated and strategic thinker with demonstrated ability in:
Managing complex projects, including research and/or analytical initiatives.
Analysing data and translating insights into actionable recommendations.
Building strong stakeholder relationships across large, complex organisations.
Providing high-quality advice on emerging risks, trends and policy issues.
Working across multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Communicating effectively with a range of audiences, including senior leaders.
You will demonstrate sound judgement, strong organisational skills, and a commitment to
continuous improvement and innovation.
Desirable Experience
Experience in strategic communication, information environment assessment, or related
fields.
Understanding of government structures, policy frameworks and decision-making processes.
Knowledge of contemporary information threats, audience analysis, or influence activities.
Experience working with research methodologies, data analysis or contractor management.
Exposure to inter-agency or international collaboration environments.
Duties
- The Role
- The Assistant Director – Information Environment strengthens Defence’s understanding of the
- contemporary information environment and its impact on strategic communications. The role leads
- complex projects, provides expert advice on emerging threats and opportunities, and builds strong
- stakeholder networks across Defence and external partners. It requires translating research into
- actionable recommendations to support decision-making and enhance communication capability in
- a dynamic environment.
- Key Responsibilities
- Drive initiatives to improve understanding of audiences and the information environment,
- including an enterprise Information Environment Assessment capability.
- Conduct and coordinate research, analyse data, and deliver clear, evidence-based advice on
- emerging issues, including technological impacts. Build and maintain relationships across
- Defence, government and international partners, representing Defence in collaborative
- forums.
- Plan and deliver complex projects, manage competing priorities, and oversee contractors
- where required.
- Develop strategic plans aligned to organisational objectives, ensure governance compliance,
- and contribute to a high-performing team culture through leadership, mentoring, and
- continuous improvement initiatives.
Eligibility / Notes
- Security Clearance
- Applicants must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at “Negative Vetting Level 2”.
How to Apply
Position Contact Chris Linden, 0427 076 428
Agency Recruitment Site https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=EDA3AFC7-D844-C1C8-6779-ED1B379A4
Applicants to vacancies notified in all formats of the electronic Public Service Gazette should be aware:
that the names of successful applicants will also be notified in all formats of the electronic Public Service Gazette
applicants found suitable may be offered similar employment opportunities by other Australian Public Service agencies
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