Senior Writer

Job Description

Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General – Kirribilli NSW

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The Engagement and Communications Branch supports the Governor-General in the delivery of constitutional, ceremonial, community and international responsibilities through the provision of strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and program support.

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The Senior Writer is responsible for researching, developing and preparing speeches, speaking notes, messages, remarks and other written material that support the Governor-General's program of engagements. Working closely with Program, Communications and Executive support teams, the role ensures speeches and written content are informed by the purpose and objectives of engagements, stakeholder expectations, current issues and the Governor-General's priorities.

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The position requires a highly skilled researcher and writer who can synthesise information from a broad range of sources, provide strategic advice on speech content and messaging, and produce a high-volume of accurate, engaging and high-quality written material within tight timeframes.

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The key duties of the position include:

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• Research, analyse and synthesise information from a broad range of sources to write speeches, messages, remarks and other materials for the Governor-General.
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• Work closely with Program team members to understand the purpose, audience, context and desired outcomes for engagements and events.
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• Develop speech content that reflects the Governor-General's priorities, key themes, current issues and stakeholder interests.
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• Liaise with government agencies, ministerial offices, patron organisations, community groups, cultural institutions and other stakeholders to obtain information and verify content.
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• Prepare briefing notes, key messages, speech outlines, talking points and other written products to support official engagements and appearances.
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• Conduct background research on organisations, events, communities, sectors and emerging issues relevant to the Governor-General's program.
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• Coordinate the review, clearance and finalisation of written materials, ensuring accuracy, consistency and adherence to required standards.
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• Contribute strategic communications advice and content development activities that support broader organisational objectives and public engagement initiatives.
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• Identify opportunities to enhance the quality, relevance and effectiveness of speeches and written materials through continuous improvement and feedback.
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Eligibility

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• be an Australian citizen at the time of application
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• be willing to undergo a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) prior to an offer made
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• be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance for the duration of employment; and
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• take reasonable steps to avoid any real, potential or perceived conflict of interest in connection with their employment with the Office, and disclose any material personal interests that may result in a conflict of interest.
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Notes

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Employment with the Office is in accordance with section 13 of the Governor-General Act 1974. Ongoing APS employees engaged under the Public Service Act 1999 are entitled to leave without pay to undertake employment with the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General. In accordance with section 67 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions 2022, the employee's agency head must grant this leave and, on completion of their employment with the Office, provide employment at the employee's substantive classification level.

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Getting to know the Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General

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The Office of the Official Secretary to the Governor-General (OOSGG) is a small Commonwealth budget-funded statutory agency with staff located at Government House, Canberra and Admiralty House, Sydney. The Official Secretary leads an organisation committed to identifying and implementing innovative ways to support the Governor-General in carrying out their constitutional, statutory, ceremonial and public duties.