Assistant Director, Stakeholder Engagement, Media and Coordination

Job Description

Assistant Director, Stakeholder Engagement, Media and Coordination The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) is a small agency that was established in 2013 to oversee national actions to improve asbestos awareness and the effective and safe management, removal, and disposal of asbestos. This involved coordinating the implementation of the Asbestos National Strategic Plan. In December 2023, the agency’s functions were expanded to include silica through the Amendment of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013 . The agency’s name changed to the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency. Our role is to assist in the prevention of exposure to asbestos fibres and respirable crystalline silica, to eliminate asbestos and silica related disease in Australia and the devastating impacts they create. We do this by coordinating the implementation of the national strategic plans for asbestos and silica. In doing so we are fortunate to work alongside other government agencies, employee and employer representatives, technical experts, the research community, impacted families, and partners, all motivated by the same outcome. We are a non-corporate entity under the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act). Our Chief Executive Officer is appointed under the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency Act 2013 (the Act) and performs functions in accordance with that Act. About the role The Assistant Director, Stakeholder Engagement, Media & Coordination plays a pivotal role in developing and maintaining authentic, purposeful and productive partnerships aligned to the aims of the Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024-2024 and the Silica National Strategic Plan 2024-2030. Building on and adapting well established engagement and media approaches will be key to the role. Promoting ASSEA’s role, priorities and activities; as well as identifying and influencing government and non-government stakeholders is a critical element for this role. This position demands a highly organised individual with a proven track record of leading and developing a strategic, effective and coordinated engagement approaches involving a diverse array of government, industry, union, and professional groups as well as those who have lived experience. This role will also build and drive a proactive and responsive media strategy to build the influence and reputation of the Agency. Exceptional communication skills are essential, as the Assistant Director will need to both build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes. The ability to work autonomously and collaboratively with fellow colleagues is crucial. As an effective leader, the Assistant Director will have strong management, strategy and planning capabilities enabling the design of project plans and optimising resources through strategic scheduling and interdependency mapping. Relevant tertiary qualifications, experience aligned to the functions and personal lived experience of asbestos or silica-related diseases are highly desirable, along with knowledge and familiarity of Commonwealth and State Government processes. ASSEA has primary offices in Canberra and Sydney. While applicants from outside of these areas are encouraged to apply, and we will support flexible work arrangements, they will need to nominate a base of office operations and travel as required to attend the office. The key responsibilities for the position include: Coordinate stakeholder outreach and engagement through the identification, analysis, planning and implementation of activities designed to engage and influence target stakeholders and at-risk groups. Provide strategic advice regarding external stakeholders to Directors and the CEO. Support the Director, Coordination and the CEO in designing and facilitating consultative forums and similar. Develop and maintain a stakeholder systems and processes, ensuring ASSEA is actively aware of relevant activities being planned and undertaken by government and private organisations relevant to ASSEA’s functions and plans. Influence direction, drive engagement and provide secretariat support for Asbestos Related Disease Support Groups creating connections, leverage opportunities and capability across their services. Assist in the development of communications and public education materials including corporate documents, website and social media content, media releases, speeches and other communications which support engagement activities. Monitoring, managing and developing insights obtained from media and other external sources on emerging issues keeping the agency and stakeholders informed of asbestos and silica-related topics. Assist in the delivery of agency events, conferences and forums and participation in other external events as required; including procurement requirements. Lead up-skill activities within ASSEA and for key stakeholder groups related to engagement and outreach. Manage governance responsibilities aligned to agency delegations and public sector requirements, including the budgets, procurement, resources, risks, wellbeing and performance, and information security. Provide information and advice to Senior Executives and various business areas, oversee, and prepare a range of written material including business cases, submissions, parliamentary documents, Ministerial and agency briefs and other high level corporate documents. Demonstrate flexibility and a commitment to organisational cohesion by undertaking other duties as directed. Skills and Abilities The role requires a high level of engagement with key stakeholders including officials in Commonwealth, state and territory governments, and union and employer organisations. High level written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare high quality material to suit a range of stakeholder audiences. High level research and analytical skills including the ability to digest complex material and present it a form appropriate for the intended audience. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong, effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, through outreach and engagement and by providing support, anticipating and responding to their needs. Ability to develop and deliver strategic engagement plans and project plans. Strong organisational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines whilst maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in delivery of activities. Experience working in government or similar environment. Experience in working on public health, workplace health and safety or environmental protection issues would be an advantage. Willingness to further develop contemporary capabilities aligned to the role through both formal and informal development opportunities. To be eligible for employment with ASSEA, you must be an Australian citizen and you will be required to successfully undergo a police record check. The successful applicant must be able to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Baseline level security clearance or hold a current security clearance of an appropriate level. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website. Recruit Ability applies to this vacancy. Under the Recruit Ability scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: #J-18808-Ljbffr