Associate Director Internal Communications & Engagement

Salary: AUD $154,231 - $178,369 per year plus super and leave loading (Clerk Grade 11/12)

Location: Haymarket, Sydney CBD (hybrid, flexible work arrangements supported)

Job type: Full-time, ongoing

Closing date: Sunday 25 October 2026, 11:59pm

Shape the voice of the department and help connect, engage and inspire our people.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced communications professional to lead internal communications and employee engagement across the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).

This highly visible role leads the department's internal communications and engagement function. As a trusted adviser to the Secretary, senior leaders and subject matter experts, you will translate complex and sensitive information into clear, engaging messages that connect our people and support organisational priorities and culture.

Working with a high-performing and collaborative team, you will lead employee engagement initiatives, portfolio-wide events, executive communications and key corporate publications.

You will also oversee the department's Annual Report, provide strategic advice on sensitive and emerging issues, and support crisis communications.

You will build on an already strong communications function by driving continuous improvement across channels, engagement activities and events, ensuring our approach remains contemporary, effective and people-focused.

About you

You are an experienced communications professional who can operate strategically while remaining hands-on in delivery. You bring exceptional writing skills, sound judgement and the confidence to provide trusted advice to senior leaders on complex and sensitive communications matters.

You build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels. Comfortable navigating competing priorities and ambiguity, you work with professionalism and resilience, take ownership of outcomes and consistently deliver high-quality work in fast-paced environments.

Most importantly, you are passionate about creating meaningful employee experiences and bring a collaborative, people-focused approach and a commitment to continuous improvement. You will be motivated by the opportunity to support a diverse portfolio spanning NSW's arts, culture, tourism, hospitality and sport sectors.

How to apply

Click Apply Now to access the application portal and submit your online application. Please include a cover letter and resume that details your capabilities and experience in relation to the role.

Closing date: Sunday 25 October 2026 (11:59pm).

Contact: Dragana Papak, Director Talent and People Operations, via email dragana.papak@dciths.nsw.gov.au.

Working at the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport

At the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport we bring vibrancy to NSW by growing our creative industries and workforces, driving strong visitor and night-time economies, ensuring a responsible hospitality sector, and putting arts, culture and sport at the heart of our communities.

Together we:

• create social and economic opportunities for the state
• support the creation of jobs across the creative, visitor and night-time economies
• prioritise First Nations artists, stories and culture
• ensure arts, culture and sport are at the heart of every community to be enjoyed and accessed by all
• drive visitation through events, campaigns and visitor experience development
• activate our night-time and creative economies to unlock unique precincts and community spaces
• deliver a vibrant and responsible hospitality, liquor, racing and gaming environment
• support NSW's key Cultural Institutions to ensure access for all, enable community experiences and education and preserve the state's diverse cultural assets and history

At DCITHS, we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups. If you require an adjustment to be made during the recruitment process, please contact Dragana Papak at dragana.papak@dciths.nsw.gov.au.

A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles for this role or similar roles that may become available over the next 18 months.