The Queensland Human Rights Commission

The Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) is an independent statutory human rights agency with responsibilities under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 and Human Rights Act 2019.

• QHRC vision is a Queensland where human rights are real for everyone.
• QHRC purpose is to strengthen the understanding, acceptance and promotion of human rights in Queensland, and to eliminate discrimination and sexual harassment.
• QHRC values are independence, respect, inclusion, diversity and integrity.

QHRC work towards their vision by providing an expert dispute resolution service for discrimination and human rights complaints which is managed via a statewide enquiry service. QHRC supports people to understand their rights and responsibilities and provides training for businesses, government and the community. QHRC also supports policy development and legislation to better protect rights and increases public understanding of human rights via community engagement and educational programs.

The Opportunity

Due to continued organisational growth, a permanent opportunity has arisen for a strategically driven, well connected, passionate and charismatic Director, Engagement and Communications to lead the Commission into their next exciting development phase.

As a member of the Executive Management Committee, (EMC), reporting directly to the Commissioner and supported by your expanding Engagement and Communications team (which you will have the opportunity to build and shape) you will help advise, drive and deliver upon the strategic direction of the Commission.

A key focus of this role, working in close collaboration with the EMC, will be the continued development and execution of a whole of Queensland stakeholder and community engagement and communications strategy. This role is also responsible for strategic communications, ensuring all internal and external communications are best practice, high quality and adhere to the Commissions’ legislative functions. A trusted voice, you will be relied upon by the Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner and other senior management to provide advice, support and direction regarding engagement and communications, including external communications and media related matters.

Outwardly focused, this role will require exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, building collaborative partnerships to deliver upon the Commission’s strategic objectives. Key stakeholders include government representatives, community service organisations, not-for-profit companies, the community and industry. Your innate ability to quickly form genuine relationships across varied cultural and professional backgrounds will be highly valued and will support organisational success.

About You

As the new Director Engagement and Communications, you will bring:

• Strategic thinking, an ability to think creatively and holistically as required to initiate the strategic framework for the delivery of the statewide community engagement, communications and education programs, responsive to the Commission’s legislative responsibilities
• A strengths-based leadership approach, with the ability to inspire, motivate and drive positive organisational culture and change, advocating equity, diversity, and inclusivity with experience in leading newly formed teams
• Stakeholder engagement, with extensive, proven experience in identifying, developing and maintaining strong, collaborative partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups
• Broad corporate communications, with extensive experience in implementing both internal and external communication strategies that provide consistent, clear and effective messaging across the Commission and externally throughout the Queensland region
• Governance and risk management experience to meet the Commission’s legislative requirements while ensuring reputational risk is well managed by incorporating proven and effective media strategies
• Passion for human rights, equality and non-discrimination, with a broad understanding of the Australian associated legislation and human rights systems would be highly beneficial
• Tertiary Qualifications, in a relevant discipline (Communications, Public Relations, Media Communications etc.) would be highly regarded.

How to Apply

For more information, please download the attached Applicant Information Pack and Position Description. To discuss your application in confidence, please call Paula Cordier at Merit Solutions on 0477 766 801.

To apply, please follow the apply now link to our website, follow the prompts and submit the following:

• A current resume; and
• A brief covering letter outlining your relevant achievements and motivation for this role, providing examples of how you meet the “What we are looking for” as detailed in the position description.

The Queensland Human Rights Commission is an equal opportunity employer and embraces workforce diversity. Therefore, people from diverse backgrounds, including people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with a disability, women, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.

The Queensland Human Rights Commission’s commitment to cultural safety, equity and inclusion ensures selection decisions will not be influenced by whether an applicant has a need for any workplace adjustments. Please let us know if you require any assistance or adjustments that will help you participate in this recruitment process.