We are currently seeking an experienced Microsoft Word Desktop Publishing (DTP) Specialist for a high-profile, legislatively required Annual Report project on behalf of a key Victorian government department. This is a highly technical production role requiring a niche specialist who can maintain absolute document integrity within a fast-paced, reactive environment. This is an advanced production position. It should not be considered a general Word formatting, administration, or document editing role. The Brief Our client requires a specialist to apply approved Microsoft Word templates to supplied content for a complex, long-format publication (typically exceeding 230 pages). Acting as the primary technical expert, you will format content, manage complex financial tables, handle mixed portrait/landscape layouts, and seamlessly merge multiple files. Because the document will undergo multiple rounds of heavy stakeholder editing, your role is critical in troubleshooting formatting corruptions and restoring template integrity before final output. The Workflow The project is delivered progressively across structured but highly reactive stages: Phase 1 & 2 (Formatting): Applying master templates to initial content, including supporting documentation, specific report sections, and financial appendices. Phase 3 (The Merge): A critical priority stage involving merging Sections 1–4 into a single master document, resolving style conflicts, and troubleshooting Word-specific formatting issues. Phase 4 (Finished Art & QA): Conducting thorough finished art proof checks, resolving pagination (widows/orphans), testing hyperlinks, and generating publication-quality print-ready and web-ready PDFs. Phase 5 (Accessibility - Highly Desirable): Separating the approved report into four distinct, WCAG-compliant accessible Microsoft Word documents. Availability & Timing (Mandatory) The dates for this project are locked, and full availability for both periods is mandatory. You must be contactable and highly responsive remotely from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5.30 pm. No after-hours, weekend, or public holiday work is anticipated. Primary Engagement: Monday 31 August – Wednesday 14 October 2026 Contingency Period: Thursday 15 October – Monday 2 November 2026 (inclusive) Note: The Contingency Period forms part of the core booking and may be utilized for outstanding stakeholder changes or completing accessibility deliverables. We will need to confirm your availability for potential extensions beyond these dates should tabling timelines shift. Requirements Technical Mastery PC-Based Word Expert: Advanced, senior-level proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Windows PC version) . Please note: A Mac operating environment is not suitable due to functionality and document compatibility differences. Long-Format & Merge Experience: Proven track record of managing, merging, and stabilizing large publications (200 pages). Financial Data Layouts: Deep experience formatting complex financial tables, automatic numbering, multi-page tables, and flipping between portrait and landscape page layouts. Advanced Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and rapidly remediate broken styles, pagination errors, and document integrity issues introduced by multiple external contributors. Software Toolkit: Strong proficiency in Adobe Acrobat Pro (for finished art QA) and Microsoft Teams (including video conferencing and screen sharing for collaborative reviews). Accessibility (Highly Desirable): Strong experience in WCAG-compliant formatting, accessible financial tables, and online document remediation is a major advantage. Professional Capability Calm Under Pressure: Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and remain solution-focused within a fluid, fast-paced environment. Proactive Communication: Confidence in explaining technical Word issues to non-specialist stakeholders and raising production risks to the Studio Manager early. Meticulous Eye: Exceptional attention to detail regarding typography, template rules, version control, and strict file-naming conventions. Due to the nature of the client, you must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply, living and working within Australia. You must also comply with strict directions regarding information security and confidentiality of unpublished government content. To Apply If you possess the advanced Microsoft Word production skills required to guide this vital publication safely to the finish line, we want to hear from you. Please click the link below to upload your CV and a summary of your relevant long-format corporate or government reporting experience. To help us manage this specialized placement efficiently, no phone calls or DMs please. Only apply if you're an Australian citizen or resident; unfortunately we cannot shortlist overseas or VISA applicants. Only shortlisted candidates matching the technical PC-Word production criteria will be contacted. A periodic contract rate applies.
