Grace Hagenbach
Brisbane,QLD
Summary
Experienced Executive Operations and Communications Professional
Results-oriented professional with over 10 years of experience providing high-level administrative and communication support to executives and teams in both government and private sectors. Skilled in crisis communication, project management, and stakeholder engagement, with a proven track record of supporting strategic initiatives under tight deadlines.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Support Officer
Department Of The Premier And Cabinet
04.2024 - Current
- Supported the Queensland Government Crisis Communication Network (CCN) during events such as SEQ storms, Tropical Cyclone Jasper, and Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, delivering talking points, dashboards, media materials, web content, and campaign content.
- Assisted in preparing agendas, meeting notes, and documentation for the CCN and All Hazards Crisis Capability, ensuring clear communication of outcomes and action items.
- Developed and contributed to well-researched submissions, briefing notes, and reports on complex disaster management issues to support decision-making.
- Engaged with internal and external stakeholders to enhance collaboration across communication, engagement, and policy teams during crisis response efforts.
- Monitored and reported on emerging disaster management communication trends to ensure strategies remained current and effective.
- Delivered activities to strengthen emergency management, operational readiness, and facility resilience, including participation in training programs and workshops.
- Contributed to staff capability building through involvement in simulations and exercises such as Exercise Catalyst, enhancing operational preparedness.
- Authored and edited communication materials on sensitive and complex matters tailored to diverse target audiences.
- Supported the documentation of key outcomes and recommendations during exercises like the Skyscriber Exercise, ensuring learnings informed future crisis strategies.
Executive Officer, Reform and Delivery, Office of the Assistant-Director General
Department of Premier and Cabinet
06.2022 - Current
- Company Overview: State Government
- Successfully manage intricate administrative tasks, providing impeccable executive support to the Assistant Director-General while ensuring confidentiality and precision
- Cultivate robust relationships between the Assistant Director-General, the Office of the Premier, and senior government, private sector, and community stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and collaboration
- Coordinate complex schedules, including appointments, meetings, and conferences, prioritizing correspondence, and ensuring seamless operations
- Lead secretariat functions for meetings, developing agendas, papers, and minutes to facilitate productive discussions
- Create, coordinate, and refine written materials such as confidential correspondence, reports, briefing papers, presentations, and publications with meticulous attention to detail
- Analyse incoming correspondence and delegate tasks to Executive Directors, providing astute guidance while meeting critical deadlines
- Plan and manage whole-of-government workshops and exercises, demonstrating exceptional coordination and management capabilities
- Develop, implement, and review streamlined processes, procedures, and guidelines, enhancing operational efficiency
- Conduct focused research tasks, monitor project progress, and analyze sensitive matters within defined parameters
- Efficiently manage office operations, including travel coordination and financial tasks, utilizing proficiency in SAP, Microsoft Office suite, and electronic document management systems
- State Government
Executive Assistant to the Director of Media and to the Director of Communications
Office of the Hon Daniel Andrews MP, Premier of Victoria
03.2021 - 06.2022
- Company Overview: State Government
- Effectively managed diary appointments for the Director of Media and Director of Communications, ensuring optimal time management and scheduling accuracy
- Demonstrated exceptional email management skills, efficiently handling a high volume of communications in alignment with established office processes
- Orchestrated team meetings, overseeing logistics such as room bookings, AV equipment, agenda compilation, minute taking, and actionable follow-ups
- Proactively monitored and managed media requests and activities, determining priorities and tracking media coverage to inform strategic decisions
- Collaborated with specialists to develop and produce communications content within tight timeframes, crafting a range of materials like social media posts, feature stories, news articles, media releases, and statements for various channels
- Established and maintained a comprehensive register of divisional events on a calendar, facilitating efficient planning and development
- Conducted thorough research and analysis across a broad range of sources to inform decision-making and support strategic initiatives
- Cultivated and nurtured relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration
- Managed the coordination of Message Requests received by the Premier through the Communications Team, ensuring timely and accurate responses
- Assisted with recruitment processes, supporting the onboarding of new employees and contributing to the growth of the team
- State Government
Executive Assistant to the Chief People Officer and the Chief Operations Officer
Afterpay
11.2019 - 03.2021
- Company Overview: Finance Technology
- Orchestrated effective communications between Afterpay executives and internal as well as external stakeholders, ensuring seamless information flow and collaboration
- Provided comprehensive support to the Chief People Officer (CPO) and EVP of Operations, including calendar and email management, proofreading, proposal creation, research, and project coordination
- Managed briefing materials, agendas, and decks for executive-level meetings, contributing to well-informed decision-making
- Handled external presentations, liaised with vendors, and coordinated video/photo opportunities
- Implemented employee engagement strategy, EDM campaigns, and communications programs
- Collaborated on global announcements, effectively communicating company initiatives to stakeholders
- Developed a 12-month wellness communications strategy for the Operations department
- Led onboarding for the executive team's direct reports
- Managed purchase orders for Operations and HR department, maintaining efficient workflows
- Finance Technology
Executive Assistant to the CEO/Public Relations Coordinator
King Kong
02.2019 - 11.2019
- Company Overview: Digital Marketing
- Managed external PR agency relationship and executed media opportunities
- Conducted detailed research, analyzed data, and presented findings
- Fact-checked, edited, and communicated relevant content for media
- Developed communication materials including briefing notes, social content, presentations, and releases
- Arranged events, functions, and company-wide holidays within budget
- Negotiated terms and pricing with vendors for special events
- Monitored web, email, and social media analytics, reporting to management
- Assisted in recruitment and trained a team of Customer Service Specialists
- Developed innovative strategies for customer service improvement and productivity
- Managed E-Commerce fulfillment and production
- Provided comprehensive support to CEO, including strategic counsel
- Digital Marketing
Paralegal/Personal Assistant to Practice Leader
Fragomen
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Company Overview: Immigration Law
- Provided confidential admin support to Practice Leader, Senior Associates, and Migration Agents
- Coordinated appointments, meetings, and events, managing interruptions
- Organized PR initiatives, business events, and seminars
- Prepared materials, ensuring participants were briefed in advance
- Managed paperwork for immigration/citizenship processes
- Supported documentation using various software utilities
- Offered guidance on administrative and operational matters
- Reconciled monthly credit card statements
- Immigration Law
Personal Assistant to Director
Peter McWhirter Group
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Company Overview: Fashion Wholesale
- Ensured smooth office operation through efficient planning and execution
- Drafted confidential communications for Director and ANZ Account Management
- Managed Director's schedule, including appointments and meetings
- Communicated with management, executives, and external partners
- Analysed data and prepared reports, correspondence, and briefing notes
- Fashion Wholesale
Education
Project Management -
Australian Institute of Management
Brisbane, QLD01.2023
Marketing and Communication -
University of South Australia
South Australia01.2021
Music Industry & Contemporary Music Practice -
Southbank Institute of Technology
Brisbane, QLD01.2014
Skills
- Expert interpersonal and communication abilities
- Proficient in providing comprehensive executive support
- In-depth experience handling confidential and sensitive matters
- Skilled in data analysis for risk identification
- Operational support
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Document management
- Business planning
- Communications support
- Technical support expertise
- Work Planning and Prioritisation
- HR collaboration
- Project management
- Correspondence management
Locations
- Brisbane, QLD
- Melbourne, VIC
Timeline
Communications Support Officer
Department Of The Premier And Cabinet
04.2024 - Current
Executive Officer, Reform and Delivery, Office of the Assistant-Director General
Department of Premier and Cabinet
06.2022 - Current
Executive Assistant to the Director of Media and to the Director of Communications
Office of the Hon Daniel Andrews MP, Premier of Victoria
03.2021 - 06.2022
Executive Assistant to the Chief People Officer and the Chief Operations Officer
Afterpay
11.2019 - 03.2021
Executive Assistant to the CEO/Public Relations Coordinator
King Kong
02.2019 - 11.2019
Paralegal/Personal Assistant to Practice Leader
Fragomen
01.2017 - 01.2019
Personal Assistant to Director
Peter McWhirter Group
01.2014 - 01.2017
Project Management -
Australian Institute of Management
Marketing and Communication -
University of South Australia
Music Industry & Contemporary Music Practice -
Southbank Institute of Technology
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