Position summary
The Communications Team is responsible for promoting the APVMA through brand management, marketing, media, social media, corporate events, publications and website publishing, to build and reinforce the APVMA’s reputation as a world-class regulator of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.
Located in Armidale, NSW, the Senior Communications Officer is a marketing and communications all-rounder who works collaboratively in a fast-paced environment to develop and deliver strategic communication campaigns, coordinate media activity, and create impactful communication products to promote and connect stakeholders with the work and role of the APVMA.
Reporting to the Assistant Director, Communications, the Senior Communications Officer will be responsible for developing, reviewing and implementing communication products that align with the APVMA’s corporate strategies and purpose, including media releases, talking points, written correspondence, news items, EDMs, website content and publications such as the APVMA Gazette.
Strong time management, organisational and written and verbal communication skills are essential in this position. You will demonstrate the ability to plan, manage and prioritise your own workload and take responsibility to deliver competing priorities. You will be able to adapt your communication style to suit different audiences and develop communication products that engage internal and external stakeholders in a clear, concise and articulate manner.
You will be willing to learn new tasks and seek opportunities to extend your skills and knowledge, including the ability to quickly acquire an understanding of the APVMA, its legislative framework and external operating environment, to assist you in exercising sound judgement in coordinating responses to potentially complex and sensitive issues.
Core functions
The Senior Communications Officer will:
- be responsible for the coordination, drafting, editing, proofreading and publishing of high-quality communication products, including but not limited to marketing materials, media releases, news items, website content, the APVMA Gazette, talking points and media responses
- be required to work independently and within a team to meet strategic outcomes and statutory timeframes
- manage the development and implementation of strategic communication campaigns
- review and publish content to the APVMA’s external website and digital marketing channels, including EDMs, landing pages, corporate publications, news updates and social media posts
- possess an excellent work ethic and demonstrated understanding of the need for confidentiality and handling of sensitive information
- provide support to the Assistant Director, Communications
Selection criteria
To be considered for these roles you will need:
Essential:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with proven experience developing content tailored to different audiences
- Demonstrated experience supporting strategic direction through targeted communication products and campaigns, and communications advice
- Proven experience working with website content management systems and demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Adobe Acrobat
- Strong time-management and organisational skills, with demonstrated ability in planning, managing and prioritising workload to deliver competing priorities
- Proven ability to learn new skills and identify opportunities for self-development to support broader team
Desirable:
- Tertiary qualifications and/or relevant experience in communications and/or marketing
- Familiarity with Australian Government Style Manual and accessibility requirements
- Being at ease with scientific information and translating that information into plain English
- Familiarity with, or previous experience using, the Drupal-based content management system, Google Analytics and Adobe Creative Cloud
In accordance with section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, applications for this position are open only to Australian citizens.