Department for Education
Job reference: 839851
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Why work with us:

At the Department for Education in South Australia, we believe every child and young person deserves the foundation to thrive, and that starts with brilliant people like you.

With over 30,000 dedicated professionals across the state, we lead the way in education through innovation, inclusivity and a shared sense of purpose.

Whether you’re teaching in classrooms or supporting behind the scenes, you’ll be valued, challenged and fulfilled — all while shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

About the role:

The Assistant Director, Communications works closely with the Director, Communications to lead a team of high performing communications professionals that support the Department’s objectives, tell the story of public education and support our schools and preschools to be responsive and valuable to their community.

The position is responsible for the performance of the communications model and its effectiveness, including the prioritisation of effort across the communications team with a focus on the communications priorities that will make a difference to public education.

Working within a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment, the position needs to be adaptable and able to work across multiple projects and priorities efficiently, effectively and with a strong focus on evaluation and improvement.

The Department’s commitment to unlocking every child’s potential means you’ll be empowered to lead strategic communications that elevate the reputation and performance of public education in South Australia and foster strong relationships across government and community networks for the betterment of public education.

About you:

• Proven experience leading a communications team in a large, complex organisation
• Track record of managing and improving multiple internal and external communications channels for varied audiences
• Senior advisory experience including briefing executives and Ministers, speech writing, and sensitive stakeholder negotiations
• Skilled mentor with experience upskilling team members in content creation across multiple channels
• Strategic thinker with experience developing and implementing innovative solutions to complex communications challenges
• Strong background in delivering communications projects, campaigns, and strategies end-to-end
• Ability to work autonomously, driving a high-performing team culture that embraces change and delivers quality outcomes
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a talent for building collaborative, trust-based relationships
• Committed to equal opportunity principles and maintaining a safe, inclusive workplace

As an executive leader within the broader Strategy and Performance Division, the successful candidate will play a strategic role that supports and influences our direction of public education, the management of strategic risks, and the delivery of our major strategies and reforms.

Special Conditions:

The successful applicant is required to gain a Department for Human Services (DHS) working with children check (WWCC) prior to being employed which is required to be renewed every five years before expiry. The incumbent will be required to undertake RRHAN –EC (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect - Education Care) Facilitator Lead (Masterclass) extended course or the online (Fundamentals) course which will be required to be updated every three years. 

Application Instructions:

For more information or to apply please visit the Robert Walters website or call Ella Morgan on 08 8216 3553 for a confidential discussion.

People of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and/or those who have a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications close: 22/04/2026 11:30 PM

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.