About the WAEC
Western Australia is a great place to live and deliver elections, and it is getting even better as we transform the Western Australian Electoral Commission (WAEC) into a leading electoral service by modernising systems, strengthening capability and improving the experience for voters and stakeholders.
Elections might look straightforward from the outside, but behind every polling place, ballot count and result is a team that is calm, switched on and committed to getting it right. From State elections and by-elections to local government and a wide range of community and private elections, we are always planning, delivering and improving.
At WAEC, we are guided by our four values: Make it Count, Check Every Box, Focus on Fairness and Achieve Together. We are committed to recruiting people whose behaviours, leadership style and approach to public service align with these values, recognising that cultural contribution is as important as capability.
The Opportunity
The WA Electoral Commission is seeking an experienced communication and engagement leader to join its Strategy and Engagement directorate as Assistant Director, Communications and Engagement. This is a key leadership opportunity to shape strategic communication, media, stakeholder engagement, community education and public information activities that strengthen public trust and confidence in Western Australia’s democratic processes.
Reporting to the Director, Strategy and Engagement, you will lead a team to deliver integrated communication, engagement and education services, provide high-quality advice on complex and sensitive issues, and support election readiness, reform activity and major organisational reporting. The role offers variety, impact and the chance to work across strategic and operational priorities in a purpose-driven public sector environment.
About You
You are a confident and collaborative leader with considerable experience in communication, community engagement, education, media or a related field. You can translate strategy into practical plans, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a complex environment.
You bring strong judgement, highly developed communication and influencing skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships with senior leaders, stakeholders, community groups, the media and partner organisations. You are comfortable advising on sensitive or high-profile matters and leading others through change, reform and operational delivery.
You will be values led, inclusive and outcomes focused, with the capability to develop people, improve services and contribute to a safe, respectful and high-performing workplace. Relevant tertiary qualifications in communications, public relations, journalism, community engagement, education, public policy or a related discipline will be highly regarded.
Want to know more?
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, you are encouraged to contact Tina Wheatley, Director Talent Solutions, Price Consulting Group on 0494 660 344.
How to apply
To apply, please submit:
- A covering letter of no more than two pages
- A resume outlining the skills, experience and capabilities you will bring to the role
- In your covering letter, please outline your motivation for applying and how your skills, values and experience align with the role, particularly in media relations, issues management and corporate communications.
The Position Description is attached to assist you in the preparation of your application.
Applications close at 4PM (AWST) Monday 20 July 2026.
Please allow sufficient time to submit your application, as late applications will not be accepted.
Select “Apply for Job” at the top or bottom of this advertisement to submit your application. Applications must be submitted online. If you experience any issues, please contact WAEC Human Resources on 9214 0400.
Other Conditions and Eligibility
To be eligible for a permanent appointment with the WAEC, you must be an Australian citizen or have permanent resident status in Australia. Non-permanent residents of Australia are only eligible for fixed-term appointments if they hold a valid visa with appropriate working rights for the duration of the appointment.
The successful applicant will be required to sign Declaration of Neutrality and Declaration of Confidentiality forms, confirming they have no active or official connection with any political party and will maintain the confidentiality necessary to support the integrity of the Commission.
The work-related requirements for the role will be assessed throughout the selection process. A variety of assessment methods may be used, including but not limited to skills assessments, psychometric testing, interviews, and referee checks.
