About the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission The Defence and Veterans' Service Commission (DVSC) provides independent oversight and evidence-based advice to government on reforms to improve suicide prevention and wellbeing outcomes for serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members. The Australian Government established the DVSC as a new Non-corporate Commonwealth Entity (NCE) on 29 September 2025 in response to the key recommendation of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Key functions of the DVSC include: monitoring, inquiring and reporting on issues relevant to suicide and suicidality for serving and ex-serving ADF members; monitoring, inquiring and reporting on the implementation of the Government's response to the recommendations of the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission, improving supports for serving and ex-serving ADF members, working with coroners to understand issues contributing to Defence and veteran deaths by suicide, and promoting an understanding of suicide risks and wellbeing for Defence members and veterans, including through engaging with people with lived experience. Working at the DVSC As a new agency, the DVSC is now recruiting staff and capabilities and will continue to do so over the coming year. You have an opportunity to join us now where your expertise can help influence and shape our strategy in support of the Commissioner's independent oversight of wide-ranging reforms across the Defence and veteran ecosystem. We are looking to recruit high performing and dedicated staff with a range of capabilities, who demonstrate integrity, independence and compassion. A key focus of the DVSC's work is the prevention of suicide and suicidality. While the DVSC has a proactive wellbeing program, applicants are encouraged to consider their personal circumstances when applying for this role. Applicants can familiarise themselves with the findings and recommendations of the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide for further information. About the Role We are seeking an experienced Media and Communications Officer to support the DVSC's public engagement and communication activities. Located in the Oversight and Engagement branch of the DVSC, and reporting to the Director, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement, the Assistant Director will operate under broad direction to manage media enquiries, deliver communications strategies and products, and promote the work of the DVSC. The Assistant Director will have the ability to communicate accurate, evidence-based information, with an understanding of trauma-informed communication and engagement principles. They will connect stakeholders with the work of the DVSC and support the Commissioner's functions, including promoting an understanding of suicide prevention and wellbeing for ADF members and veterans. Duties include: Manage media engagement, including media requests/enquiries, and undertake proactive media engagement as required; Lead the development and delivery of strategic communication plans aligned with DVSC objectives; Monitor, analyse and report on media coverage and stakeholder sentiment; Create, and oversee the creation of high-quality content for multiple channels, including media releases, speeches, social media, and the DVSC website; Assist in leading a small team responsible for the stakeholder contact function, including liaising with senior leaders on matters requiring escalation; Support media and communications requirements at DVSC external engagements or events; and Ensure DVSC communications meet content and accessibility standards. The key duties of the position include Our ideal candidate We are looking for a motivated and professional Assistant Director with: Strong understanding of the Australian media landscape and the ability to understand APS communications protocols; Proven ability to translate complex policy or technical information into clear, accessible language tailored to audience needs across different channels; Excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills in a media and communications context; Experience in managing competing priorities, in a fast-paced environment; Commitment to the APS Code of Conduct and APS Values, and to maintaining the DVSC's independence, impartiality and professionalism at all times; Capability to appropriately engage with and communicate content around Defence and veteran suicide and suicidality; and Excellent interpersonal and engagement skills, with the flexibility to work collaboratively within a small agency and with external stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the DVSC. Qualifications / Experience The following is required : Relevant Tertiary qualifications, or equivalent professional experience, in media management, communication, digital communications, marketing, public relations or related areas. The following will be highly regarded : Experience in a media and communications role within government. Media production and graphic design experience.
