Communications Manager

Downer Group; Greater Bendigo; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20/8 roster

Significant project experience

Collaborative workplace

Complex project exposure

Total Remuneration Package + Site Upl+

Zero Harm safety culture

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Downer Group is seeking an experienced Communications Manager to join our Energy & Utilities Power Projects team in Australia. You will lead the strategic communications function for major project activities, shaping messaging, managing media relations, and guiding digital channels.

You will work closely with project teams and client communications to deliver clear, timely information to communities and stakeholders, ensuring alignment with safety and Zero Harm principles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor level qualification in communications, public relations, journalism or a related discipline
• 7–10 years of experience in communications, public affairs or media management
• At least 3 years of experience in a management or senior advisory role within major infrastructure, energy or resources projects
• Demonstrated experience managing media relations within a project environment
• Strong digital communications, website content and social media management capability
• Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to translate technical information for community audiences
• Experience working across client and contractor interfaces
• Demonstrated issues and crisis communications capability
• Strong stakeholder management, collaboration and influencing skills

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic communications function for major project activities
• Oversee communications planning, content creation, media engagement and digital channels
• Collaborate with project teams and client communications teams to inform communities and stakeholders
• Manage internal and external communications to ensure timely, accurate messaging
• Support crisis and issues communications as needed

Skills

Strategic thinking

Writing skills

Media relations

Digital communications

Social media management

Crisis communications

Stakeholder management

Public relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/PR/Journalism

Job description

The opportunity

Downer's Energy & Utilities business is seeking an experienced Communications Manager to join our Power Projects team.

Working on a 20/8 roster, you will lead the strategic communications function for major project activities, managing communications planning, content, media engagement and digital channels.

Working closely with project teams and client communications teams, you will help deliver clear, accurate and timely information to communities and stakeholders.

What we're looking for

You are an experienced communications professional who combines strategic thinking with exceptional writing skills and can confidently operate within a complex project environment.

Qualifications and Experience

• A bachelor level qualification in communications, public relations, journalism or a related discipline
• Seven to ten years of experience in communications, public affairs or media management
• At least three years of experience in a management or senior advisory role within major infrastructure, energy or resources projects
• Demonstrated experience managing media relations within a project environment
• Strong digital communications, website content and social media management capability
• Exceptional written communication skills with the ability to translate technical information for community audiences
• Experience working across client and contractor interfaces
• Demonstrated issues and crisis communications capability
• Strong stakeholder management, collaboration and influencing skills

What we offer

• A 20/8 roster, providing meaningful time away from work between roster cycles
• The opportunity to contribute to significant projects within Downer's Energy & Utilities business
• A collaborative workplace where you will work alongside experienced project, communications and stakeholder professionals
• Exposure to complex, high profile project communications across construction, community engagement, media and stakeholder relations
• Total Remuneration Package + Site Uplifts + LAHA
• A workplace committed to Zero Harm and the safe, responsible delivery of projects
• Opportunities to develop your experience and build your career across Downer's diverse portfolio of projects and services

About Energy & Utilities

Downer's Energy & Utilities business operates across Australia and New Zealand, providing services and solutions that connect communities to essential infrastructure.

Our teams work across the energy and utilities sector, bringing together specialist capability, strong project delivery and a commitment to Zero Harm.

Downer is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.