gray advert banner

Principal Consultant Communications

  • Perth Metropolitan, Western Australia
  • Department of Education
  • Permanent - Full Time
  • Closing at: Oct 23 2026 - 16:30 AWST
  • Level 7
  • Campaigns and Projects
  • Reform and Strategic Services
  • Level 7, $144,755 - $154,717 per annum (pro-rata) (PSCA 2024)
  • 1.0
  • 00043001
  • East Perth
  • Contract, Program and Project Administrators
View favourites

We have 2x permanent full-time positions available commencing December 2026

Part-time working arrangements are not an option for this specific position.

The Communications Directorate is a collaborative and high-performing team of strategists, storytellers and creative thinkers who work together to showcase the impact of public education across Western Australia. Our work is varied and fast-paced – one day developing a statewide public awareness campaign, the next supporting schools to share their stories or manage issues in the media and advising senior leaders on strategic communications.

We value curiosity, creativity and teamwork and our people have the opportunity to work across a wide range of projects, build strong networks across the Department of Education and government, and contribute to initiatives that reach schools, families and communities across the state.

Within the Communications Directorate there are 3 branches of expert teams who work closely together to deliver strategic, creative and responsive communications for the Department. These include:

  • Campaigns and Projects
  • Media
  • Digital Content.

These roles sit in the Campaigns and Projects team which is responsible for providing high level communications, campaign and marketing strategies and services for the Department of Education.

Campaigns and Projects is responsible for:

  • planning and delivering communication projects, campaigns and events
  • brand management and developing resources
  • campaign advertising policy and event advice
  • high level public relations and marketing advice to schools.

The Role

We are seeking highly motivated and experienced marketing communications specialists who can lead strategic projects and build and maintain strong professional relationships with stakeholders in a dynamic environment. The successful applicant will provide specialist advice to senior executives on sensitive or high-profile issues to support high level decision making.

In this role, the applicant will develop communication strategies and campaign plans, including their planning, development, implementation, analysis and evaluation. They will lead and mentor staff across the directorate, manage performance and deliver communication priorities and cross-functional projects.

Experience managing government campaigns or large-scale projects and working with creative agencies, media buyers and contractors will be well regarded. Successful applicants will ideally demonstrate initiative and strategic thinking, with strong project management skills and the ability to perform effectively under pressure.

Professional Benefits

We are conveniently located in East Perth and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include: 

  • 12% employer contributed superannuation.
  • Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including; working from home or remote, flexible working hours
  • Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave
  • Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
  • Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments)
  • Enjoy easy access to public transport with the Claisebrook train station just a 5-minute walk away or, take advantage of the free Yellow Cat bus service that stops outside our building entrance. Additionally, various CPP parking locations are within walking distance.

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Hannah Thompson on 0437 253 010 or by emailing hannaht@thefuturesgroup.com.au

Agency Referrals: Public sector agencies seeking to refer surplus employees should contact Recruitment at centralservices.recruitment@education.wa.edu.au during the advertising period. 

We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must: 

  • be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
  • consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
  • obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include: 

  • A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
  • A three (3) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:
  1. Job Specific Substantial experience in communications, including planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of communications projects in large and complex environments. Advanced writing skills.
  2. Project Management Considerable experience managing large and/or complex projects, including the ability to manage performance to deliver agreed outcomes within specified timeframes and competing priorities.
  3. Communication / Stakeholder Engagement Advanced interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to negotiate with and influence high level stakeholders.
  4. Critical thinking / Problem solving Highly developed conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex problems aligned to strategic direction.
  5. Team Proven ability to work collaboratively and motivate, mentor and develop others. 

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1066617

Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Friday, 23 October 2026

Clicking Apply Now will start your application in a separate window.