Department for Energy and Mining
Job reference: 846328
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: SA Public Sector Employees only

The Department for Energy and Mining is committed to building a diverse and flexible culture. We encourage and welcome all applications from women, diverse community groups and ages, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people with disabilities.

About the opportunity:
An exciting opportunity has become available for an Associate Director, Strategic Communications and Media (SM2) within the Office of the Chief Executive. This is a senior leadership role within the External Affairs directorate, providing strategic communications, media and reputational management leadership across the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM). Reporting to the Director, External Affairs, you will serve as the Director's principal deputy across strategic communications and media functions, providing high-level advice on complex and sensitive issues. You will lead a high-performing communications team, influence strategic decision-making and ensure communications and reputational considerations are embedded in departmental planning and delivery.

This role offers the opportunity to shape how DEM communicates with government, industry, stakeholders and the broader community while contributing to South Australia's energy and mining future.

Key Duties:

• Provide expert strategic communications and media advice to the Director, Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team.
• Lead the Strategic Communications function and communications business partnering model across DEM.
• Develop and oversee strategic communications plans, key messaging and issue management strategies.
• Manage sensitive media issues and reputational risks in a complex stakeholder environment.
• Coordinate major announcements, campaigns, speeches, events and executive communications.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships across policy, regulatory, corporate and operational areas.
• Provide leadership, mentoring and professional development for communications staff.
• Support the Director, External Affairs and provide leadership continuity during peak periods and absences.

About us:
The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) leads the global transformation economy, overseeing the responsible mining and production of the minerals, metals and fuels of the future, to safely and sustainably generate the energy and low carbon products of the future.

Our low-cost power, leading regulation system and culture of innovation is leading to the decarbonisation of industry, new modern manufacturing opportunities, increased employment and greater prosperity and security for the people of South Australia.

We particularly acknowledge the essential role that traditional Aboriginal people play in the energy and mining sector as land managers, heritage custodians, business owners and community leaders.

The External Affairs directorate is a strategic function responsible for communications, stakeholder engagement, social licence, community education and advisory services. The directorate brings together the key capabilities that shape how DEM communicates, engages and builds trust with government, industry, stakeholders and the broader community.

What we offer:

• Enjoy opportunities for professional development, training, and career growth.
• Be part of a values-driven organisation committed to excellence, safety, and integrity.
• Flexible Work Arrangements – Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with options for hybrid working and flexible hours.
• Prime Location – Adelaide CBD, Waymouth Street, close to public transport, shops, and amenities.
• Active People and Culture agenda – Employee Assistance Program, diversity and inclusion training and events, DEM social club and much more.
• We are a White Ribbon Accredited workplace that promotes gender equality and a zero tolerance of violence in the workplace.

Key Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice to senior executives on complex, sensitive and high-profile matters.
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate and build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across government, industry and organisational environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading, developing and motivating high-performing teams in a complex and changing environment.
• Significant experience operating with a high degree of judgement, discretion and initiative in politically, publicly or organisationally sensitive environments.

Qualifications:
Desirable: Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Media, Marketing, Public Affairs or a related discipline. Equivalent experience will also be considered.

Remuneration:
SM2 Classification
Salary: $153,887 per annum (plus superannuation)
Full-time position working 37.5 hours per week.

Special Conditions:

• Appointment to this role may be subject to a satisfactory screening check.
• Flexible working arrangements are available and negotiated with the appropriate manager.
• The successful applicant is expected to uphold the ethical behaviour and professional integrity standards contained in the Public Sector Act 2009.

Enquiries:
Maria Kosti
Director, External Affairs
Email: [email protected]

Application Instructions:
Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae and written application of no more than two pages, demonstrating their suitability for the role by addressing the key selection criteria above. Applicants are to include the name, address and contact number of three current referees.
All applicants are required to complete and submit the Employment Declaration.

Applications close: 07/08/2026 11:30 PM

Attachments:
- OCE EA SS SM2 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA PNEW July26.pdf
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.