Communications and Engagement Manager

Management and Training Corporation; Queensland; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Management and Training Corporation seeks a Manager, Communications & Engagement to lead internal communications, employee engagement and media relations from the Corporate Office. You will work with senior leaders to craft strategies that strengthen culture, support priorities and enhance engagement while safeguarding the organisation's reputation.

You will provide strategic counsel on government and parliamentary developments, and ensure consistent messaging across multiple sites.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in corporate communications, media relations and stakeholder engagement within a complex or highly regulated environment.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and manage sensitive issues to deliver impactful communication outcomes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills suitable for executive-level materials.
• Proven capability to build relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience developing communication strategies that support organisational change and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement internal communication and employee engagement strategies aligned to organisational objectives.
• Lead management and improvement of digital communication channels and intranet platforms.
• Create communication materials for executives, including presentations, speeches, and briefing notes.
• Oversee media relations, including press inquiries, releases, and crisis communications.

Skills

Internal communications

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Executive communications

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Media, Corporate Affairs or related discipline

Job description

Management and Training Corporation – Springfield QLD

MTC is a global leader in the corrections, detention, training and education sectors, operating 23 Job Corps centres, 21 correctional facilities, 5 detention centres, 11 prison and detention medical departments, and 2 workforce development sites worldwide. With more than 8,500 employees globally, we deliver essential services that transform lives and strengthen communities.

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to fostering a culture grounded in Safety, Respect and Dignity.

About the Role

The Manager, Communications & Engagement is a key role within our Corporate Office, reporting directly to the Executive Director, People & Capability and indirectly to the Executive Director, Legal & Governance.

This role leads MTC's internal communications, employee engagement and media relations functions. Working closely with senior leaders across the organisation, you will develop and deliver communication strategies that strengthen culture, support organisational priorities and enhance employee engagement. You will also oversee media relations, reputation management and strategic communications initiatives that support MTC's brand and stakeholder confidence.

Operating in a highly regulated and complex environment, the role plays a critical part in ensuring employees remain informed, engaged and connected to MTC's vision, strategy and values. The position also provides strategic advice on reputational issues, government and parliamentary developments, and emerging risks that may impact the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement internal communication and employee engagement strategies aligned to organisational objectives.

Lead the management and continuous improvement of digital communication channels, including intranet platforms, employee communication tools and workplace communication screens.

Develop communication materials for executives and senior leaders, including presentations, speeches, briefing notes and organisational announcements.

Manage media relations activities, including media enquiries, media releases, reputation management and crisis communications.

Monitor government, political and industry developments and provide executive briefings on emerging issues and risks.

Coordinate communication and engagement activities across multiple sites and stakeholder groups to ensure consistent messaging and a positive employee experience.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring significant experience in corporate communications, media relations and stakeholder engagement within a complex or highly regulated environment. You will be a strategic thinker with the ability to influence stakeholders, manage sensitive issues and deliver impactful communication outcomes.

You will also demonstrate:

Extensive experience in internal communications, media relations, corporate communications or public affairs.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare executive-level communications and media materials.

Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing capabilities, with experience building relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

Experience developing and implementing communication strategies that support organisational change, employee engagement and business objectives.

Sound judgement, resilience and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Media, Corporate Affairs, Public Policy or a related discipline.

MTC proudly promotes a culture of Safety, Respect and Dignity. Through our BIONIC (Believe ItOrNot I Care) philosophy, we foster a caring culture for change across all our centres.

We celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all people who believe they have the skills and capability to make a meaningful difference.