C40 Cities Communications Lead

City of Melbourne; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 101,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Wellbeing programs

Discounts and perks

Career growth

Job summary

City of Melbourne is partnering with C40 Cities to appoint a Communications Lead on a secondment basis. The role manages external communications for the C40 Co-Chair, including media engagement, messaging, and high-profile campaigns across local, national and international levels.

The successful candidate will craft speeches, media releases, op-eds, and digital content, liaise with stakeholders, and coordinate crisis communications when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with experience in creating and delivering highly impactful communications, content and campaigns.
• Strong writing and editorial skills for diverse audiences and formats.
• Speech-writing experience for elected officials or senior leaders and briefing for media interviews.

Responsibilities

• Drive development and delivery of strategic media and communications initiatives to elevate the Co-Chair’s profile.
• Identify and deliver proactive and reactive media opportunities for global reach.
• Coordinate information flow between C40 and City of Melbourne, manage stakeholders and crisis communications when required.
• Create compelling content across formats: speeches, releases, op-eds, talking points, scripts, and social media content.
• Build relationships with journalists and media outlets to secure positive coverage.

Skills

Media relations

Speech writing

Crisis communications

Editing & writing

Stakeholder management

Content creation

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Join C40 Cities in a unique secondment opportunity where you'll elevate the profile and voice of the C40 Co-Chair on the world stage.

$101,498 - $114,243 + 12% Superannuation (dependent on skills and experience)

Full-time fixed-term position to 10 November 2028 supporting international city leadership and climate diplomacy

About the Role

We are looking for an C40 Cities Communications Lead to join C40 Cities and City of Melbourne in a unique secondment opportunity. This exciting role will support all aspects of external communications for the C40 Co-Chair, from identifying opportunities to elevate their profile to developing key messages, talking points, media releases, op-eds, video scripts, speeches and other engaging content. Working closely with the Co-Chair team and C40’s Communications Department, you will help shape and amplify the Co-Chair’s voice.

C40 Cities is a global network of nearly 100 of the world’s leading cities working together to tackle the climate crisis and build healthier, more sustainable and resilient communities. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective action, C40 supports city leaders to deliver ambitious climate solutions and drive meaningful change worldwide.

Playing a key role across C40’s Governance and Communications teams, you will showcase the climate leadership of the C40 Co-Chair through high-quality communications and campaigns at the local, national and international level. We are seeking an innovative, proactive and collaborative communicator with a proven track record of creating impactful content and securing high-profile media coverage across a range of platforms and major events.

A little more about the role:

Drive the development and delivery of strategic media and communications initiatives that elevate the profile and influence of the C40 Co-Chair, Lord Mayor of Melbourne, as a leading voice in global climate action.

Identify and deliver proactive and reactive media opportunities, showcasing the impact of the Co-Chair’s work locally, nationally and internationally through high-profile communications campaigns.

Act as the key communications liaison between C40 and the City of Melbourne, coordinating information flow, securing approvals, managing stakeholder relationships and supporting crisis communications when required.

Create compelling content across a range of formats, including speeches, media releases, op-eds, briefing materials, talking points, video scripts, interview preparation and social media content.

Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets and advocacy organisations, helping to secure positive coverage and strengthen C40’s influence across the region

To view full position description, please see attached document on job application page in "Position Information".

About you

Bachelor’s degree with experience in creating and delivering highly impactful communications, content and campaigns, generating high-profile media coverage and innovative content across a variety of platforms.

Good writing and editorial skills, and an ability to express complex, abstract ideas to a variety of audiences in an accessible and engaging way.

Speech-writing experience for an elected official or senior leader of a global organisation, and experience briefing elected officials or senior spokespeople for media interviews, speeches, social media content and other public engagements.

Strong knowledge of media relations and crisis communications, with experience securing coverage for complex issues and building and maintaining effective partnerships with key stakeholders, funders and organisations.

Passion for C40’s mission and climate action, with subject-matter knowledge of the climate sector and established media contacts, particularly across environmental and climate reporting.

Excellent project management, communication and relationship management skills, with a collaborative approach and the ability to build strong stakeholder partnerships and act as an effective ambassador.

Experience managing media at major high-profile international events, including staffing press rooms and organising and delivering press conferences.

Experience in digital communications and social media, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

About City of Melbourne

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At theheartof it all is theCity of Melbourne– a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part ofTeam Melbourne, you’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We’re proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it’s your chance tomake a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

What we can offer you at City of Melbourne

Industry-leading parental and family leave – benefit from generous paid parental leave for primary and secondary carers, gender-neutral policies, surrogacy support, and a range of leave options to support you through every stage of life.

A strong commitment to health, wellbeing and inclusion – access wellbeing initiatives, discounted aquatic and gym memberships, an Employee Assistance Program, and a workplace culture that prioritises psychological safety, diversity and belonging.

Competitive rewards and financial benefits – including 17.5% annual leave loading, a discounted annual Myki pass, and access to a broad range of corporate discounts across insurance, banking, technology, health, retail, entertainment and more.

Career growth and meaningful impact – work alongside talented professionals on city-shaping initiatives that make a lasting difference to Melbourne while building your leadership capability and professional expertise.

Flexibility that works for you – enjoy flexible working arrangements including hybrid work, flexible hours, accrued days off, time-in-lieu options, and part-time or job-share opportunities to support a healthy work-life balance.

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.

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Need more info?

For further information about the position please refer to the position description below or contact Krista Milne viaemail: ************@melbourne.vic.gov.au