EL 1 Graphic Design Studio Manager

Location: Canberra ACT
Salary Range: $131,960 - $144,908 + Attractive Superannuation
This vacancy has been identified to participate in VetPaths
The Communications Branch, within the Ministerial Engagement & Communications Division provides strategic communications advice and support to the Department, the Repatriation Commission and the Ministers for Veterans’ Affairs.

The Communications Branch provides coordinated communication advice in support of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs commitment to put veterans and their families first. In addition to providing strategic communications support across the department, the?Branch handles media enquiries, manages the department’s social media channels and provides graphic design, online publishing and corporate communication services. It is responsible for the department’s narrative, quarterly newspaper Vetaffairs and monthly e-bulletin.

The Design team provides high quality print and digital material for multiple communication channels, tailored for a range of internal and external audiences, to help veterans and DVA staff understand information. The Design team also provides print procurement, digital forms and warehousing functions for the Department.

This role is an opportunity to lead a great team within a supportive and passionate organisation. You will play an important role in the leadership of the Digital Services and Design section, working closely with the Director to inform design approaches as part of the busy and engaging Communications Branch.


DUTIES
As an EL 1 Graphic Design Studio Manager you will be required to
Lead the delivery of high-quality graphic design services for DVA’s externally facing communications across digital and print channels, ensuring outputs are fit for purpose, accessible and aligned to business objectives
Lead and develop a small team, providing coaching, feedback and support to build capability and maintain a high-performing studio environment
Manage studio workflow and prioritisation, balancing competing deadlines while maintaining quality and effective stakeholder communication
Establish and maintain studio processes, templates and governance mechanisms to improve efficiency and consistency
Drive continuous improvement of design services, tools, and practices in line with evolving government and industry standards
Identify, monitor and manage delivery risks (e.g., production constraints, reputational risk, brand misuse, accessibility gaps) and escalate appropriately
Champion clear and consistent government communication by aligning studio practices with the Australian Government Style Manual (especially where design and content meet—e.g., forms, images, publications, social media and web content)
Provide expert design and brand advice to internal stakeholders, influencing outcomes and ensuring alignment with communication strategies
Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal clients and external suppliers (e.g. print, agencies, photographers)
Oversee application of DVA and Australian Government branding, ensuring consistency, quality assurance, and appropriate use of logos and visual identity
Drive continuous improvement of design services, tools, and practices in line with evolving government and industry standards.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
Relevant tertiary qualification in Graphic Design/Visual Communication (or related field), or equivalent demonstrated professional experience.
ELIGIBILITY
Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS).
Any successful candidate external to DVA offered employment will be required to undergo a pre-engagement screening check, even if they have a security clearance. The screening check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
Any successful candidate will also be required to obtain and/or maintain, a baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance as a minimum.
NOTES

This recruitment process may be used to fill ongoing and/or non-ongoing position/s. For more information about the role, please see the .

A merit pool of suitable applicants may be created which may be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months.

Successful applicants engaged into the APS will be subject to a probation period.