Communication Information – CSOF6

Role summary for potential applicants

Advertised Job Title: / Communication Manager - Agriculture
Reference Number: / 20242
Classification: / CSOF6
Salary Range: / AU $106KtoAU $124Kplus up to 15.4% superannuation
Location: / Negotiable (Canberra or Brisbane)
Tenure: / Indefinite
Relocation assistance: / Will be provided to the successful candidate if required.
Applications are open to: / Australian Citizens Only
Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents Only
 All Candidates
Functional Area: / Communication and Information
% Client Focus - Internal: / 80
% Client Focus - External: / 20
Reports to the: / Executive Manager, Corporate Communication
Number of Direct Reports: / 0
Role Overview:
The role of Communication staff in CSIRO is to support the delivery of science through the provision of effective communication of information, and the editorial or industry liaison service, either within or outside CSIRO, to enhance CSIRO's public image and promote its capabilities. Communication staff typically interact with industry groups, other government agencies, professional groups, media and the general public.
The Communication Manager with the Agriculture Business Unit (BU) will be responsible for developing, leading and implementing a communication strategy that aligns with the Enterprise Communications Strategy and the AgricultureBU's Impact Strategy. They will provide management and leadership to a team of in-house communication advisors, leverage opportunities in the digital space, and build strong connections and networks with relevant media. The position will form part of the Science and Impact Communications leadership team, and at times will be required to represent executive management at both internal and external forums. The Communication Manager will partner with researchers to enable effective coverage in the media, and may be required to represent the BU at stakeholder events from time to time.
Duties and Key Result Areas:
  • Partner with a small group of Business Unit leaders, BD and others to develop communication priorities and strategies for Science and Impact Communications and align these with broader branding opportunities.
  • Participate and contribute as a member of the Science and Impact Communications leadership team, including:
-Delivering effective leadership (strategic and people) through significant change, engaging the team and creating a culture committed to values-based behaviour that fosters innovative problem solving, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing.
-Building a small high-performing team, providing coaching and development opportunities across the Communication team to deliver high standards in service delivery as well as technical output.
-Developing strategies and the processes to evaluate the effectiveness of the team’s communication activities.
-Providing team management to enable the effective implementation of the communication strategies which promote and protect CSIRO’s brand.
  • Apply communication expertise and domain knowledge to develop strong trusted advisor relationships with senior leaders across the BUs, BD teams and other stakeholders to deliver communication priorities for science and business to fulfil CSIRO’s objectives.
  • Responsibility for the implementation and oversight of communication systems and processes within the BU, and the development of the capability of the BU.
  • Drive the alignment of the enterprise Communication strategy within the BU to maximise opportunities to develop the desired CSIRO brand.
  • Develop and implement communication strategies for key issues that may impact the reputation of the BU and ultimately CSIRO.
  • Identify critical internal and external stakeholders and establish networks to gain support for communication activities, particularly innovative ones that will have maximum impact.
  • Enable researchers to represent the BU in the media, and when required represent the BU at appropriate stakeholder events in agreement with the Executive Manager, Science and Impact Communication.
  • Represent the Executive Manager, Science Impact Communications or Executive Manager, Corporate Communications as required, at both internal and external forums.
  • Provide leadership that fosters an environment that encourages new ideas and provides support for the development of emerging skills and ideas.
  • Be accountable for the ongoing enhancement of the team’s capability through a commitment to learning and development and effective knowledge transfer across the Communication function where there is a high level of cooperation with and between the teams.
  • Strive for “Zero Harm” (physical and psychological) by promoting a strong safety culture through active management of HSE performance.

Selection Criteria:
Under CSIRO policy only those who meet all essential criteria can be appointed
Pre-Requisites:
1.Education/Qualifications: Tertiary qualification in a relevant area, such ascommunication or marketing,and/or equivalent management/leadership experience.
2.Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills, evidenced by high-level reporting, presentation and negotiation abilities, and the capacity to identify and influence critical stakeholders to gain support for contentious proposals/ideas.
3.Behaviours:A history of professional and respectful behaviours and attitudes in a collaborative environment.
4.Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to deal with incomplete information, ambiguity, urgency and complexity when developing appropriate responses and strategies.
5.Problem Solving: Proven ability to anticipate and manage problems in ambiguous situations, develop appropriate solutions based on thorough evaluation and interpretation, and defend the conclusions with reasoned arguments.
Essential Criteria:
  1. Demonstrated communication management experience that encompasses:
  2. strategic planning and implementation, calculating risk, problem solving, effective team and budget management,
  3. production of creative communication strategies delivered through multiple channels including social media,
  4. delivery of high-profile communication campaigns resulting in widespread national media coverage, stakeholder engagement and client satisfaction.
  5. Understanding of the challenges in delivering services in an account management structure and the ability to proactively build and develop internal and external relationships to support delivery of impact objectives and meet current and future goals.
  6. Demonstrated experience assessing the risk and opportunities of identified strategies, options and actions, and ability to overcome setbacks to achieve organisation-wide goals.
  7. Demonstrated experience building and maintaining strong professional and collaborative working relationships across the Communication Impact team and the Enterprise Communications team to achieve successful outcomes.
  8. Experience in media and issues management and stakeholder engagement.
  9. Ability to create a culture committed to values based behaviour which fosters innovative problem solving, continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Other Information:
How to Apply
Please apply for this position online at “Search by Keyword” for 20242. Your application should comprise one document which incorporates the latest version of your CV plus a covering letter outlining your motivations for applying and your suitability for the role (uploaded under “Resume/Cover Letter”).
At any stage during the recruitment process, you may be asked to provide additional information (online) relevant to the selection criteria. If so, then responding will enhance your application so please take the time to provide relevant succinct answers. Applicants who do not provide the information when requested may not be considered.
Applications close Sunday 26 June, 2016 (11:59pm AEST)
If you experience difficulties applying online call 1300 984 220 and someone will be able to assist you. Outside business hours please email: .
Referees: If you do not already have the names and contact details of two previous supervisors or academic/ professional referees included in your resume/CV please add these before uploading your CV.
Contact: If after reading the selection documentation you require further information please contact:
Ms Carol Saabvia email: or phone: 02 9490 8409
Please do not email your application directly to Ms Saab. Applications received via this method will not be considered.
About CSIRO
Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and communities across the nation.
Find out more!
CSIRO Agriculture is helping Australian farmers and industry improve productivity and sustainability across the agriculture sector. Researchers in the business unit will focus on the following challenges:
•Crop improvement;
•Livestock and aquaculture genetic improvement;
•Farming systems for productivity and sustainability;
•Interactions between agriculture and the environment; climate change, adaptation and mitigation; science for healthy soils;
•Global food security and development.