Community Engagement Manager

Ethnolink; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ethnolink, Australia’s largest multicultural communications and engagement agency, seeks a Community Engagement Manager to lead our national network of diverse communities, leaders and organisations. You will drive the strategy, grow the community panel and oversee a team delivering recruitment, data management and engagement logistics.

You will advise client projects with best-practice approaches, manage ambassador programs and advisory groups, and ensure authentic relationships with

Qualifications

• Minimum 4+ years in community engagement or related field.
• Experience with multicultural communities and First Nations communities is preferred.
• Experience advising clients or government on engagement best-practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Ethnolink's community engagement function and network across Australia.
• Oversee participant recruitment, community database administration and engagement logistics.
• Develop strategies to grow the community panel and ambassador program.
• Plan and host proactive community events in collaboration with marketing and events teams.
• Lead Advisory Groups and provide recommendations for client projects.

Skills

Community engagement

Stakeholder relations

Multicultural communities

Project coordination

Relationship building

Education

Tertiary qualification in Community Development or related field

Tools

CRM system

Job description

The ideal candidate is an experienced community engagement professional with demonstrated experience working with multicultural communities and advising government clients on best-practice approaches to multicultural community engagement within an agency environment. They will have a strong track record of building trusted, long-term relationships with multicultural communities, community leaders and organisations, and a genuine passion for connecting with people.

About Ethnolink

Ethnolink is Australia’s largest multicultural communications and engagement agency. We work with primarily with government and not-for-profit clients to design inclusive, culturally relevant campaigns and projects that reach and resonate with diverse communities across Australia.

Our services span research and insights, communications strategy, creative development, community engagement, media, and translation—delivering end-to-end solutions that build trust and drive action.

Position Summary

The Community Engagement Manager leads Ethnolink's community engagement function and is responsible for developing, maintaining and activating Ethnolink's national network of multicultural communities, organisations and community leaders. As Ethnolink's primary community-facing representative, this role builds trusted, long-term relationships that strengthen Ethnolink's reputation and ensure we remain genuinely connected to the communities we support. The role owns Ethnolink's community engagement ecosystem, including the community panel, ambassador program, advisory groups and proactive community engagement activities.

The Community Engagement Manager leads a team of Community Engagement Coordinators, who are responsible for the day-to-day delivery of participant recruitment, community database administration and engagement logistics. Together, they ensure Ethnolink maintains a highly engaged, diverse and responsive community network that supports both proactive engagement initiatives and client projects. This position is ideal for an experienced community engagement professional who enjoys building authentic relationships, creating thriving community networks, and balancing strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement Strategy & Leadership

• Lead Ethnolink's community engagement function, ensuring the organisation maintains strong, authentic relationships with multicultural communities across Australia, in alignment with Ethnolink's strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement strategies to grow and strengthen Ethnolink's community network, engagement programs and community capability.
• Lead and support a team of Community Engagement Coordinators, providing direction, coaching and oversight of day-to-day participant recruitment, community engagement activities and database administration.
• Enhance systems, processes and quality standards that support efficient community engagement delivery and continuous improvement.
• Identify emerging community trends and opportunities that strengthen Ethnolink's services and reputation.

Community Relationship Management

• Manage and continuously optimise Ethnolink’s community database, working with Community Engagement Coordinators to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Proactively grow Ethnolink’s community panel through targeted outreach, events, referrals, and community partnerships, ensuring the panel reflects the diversity of multicultural communities across Australia.
• Develop and implement strategies to deepen engagement with existing panel members, reducing attrition and increasing active participation and genuine connectedness.
• Plan, coordinate, and host proactive community events, in collaboration with Ethnolink’s Marketing and Events Coordinator, that strengthen community relationships, grow the panel, and position Ethnolink as an active community partner.
• Identify and attend external community events, forums, and gatherings where Ethnolink’s presence would be valuable.
• Lead and manage Ethnolink’s Community Ambassador Program, including the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing support of ambassadors.
• Develop ambassador engagement activities, ensuring ambassadors are active, motivated, and connected to Ethnolink’s work.
• Leverage the Ambassador Program to support both proactive community building and the delivery of client projects where ambassadors can add value.
• Monitor the effectiveness of the ambassador program and continuously improve the model based on feedback and outcomes.

Advisory Groups

• Lead and execute Advisory Groups for internal strategic purposes and for specific client projects, as needed.
• Manage Advisory Group membership, including recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing member engagement.
• Set agendas, chair meetings, and produce meeting notes, action items, and outcome summaries.

Client Project Support

• Work with the wider MCE team to deliver community engagement activities for client projects, including community outreach and engagement logistics.
• Advise clients and internal project teams on appropriate community engagement approaches and solutions, drawing on community knowledge, relationships and best-practice engagement principles.
• Provide community knowledge and insight to inform engagement planning and delivery for client work.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 4+ years’ experience in community engagement, stakeholder relations, community development, or a related field.
• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. Community Development, Social Policy, Communications, or Public Policy), or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining genuine, long-term relationships with diverse community members and organisations.
• Experience managing a community database or CRM system, with strong attention to data quality and compliance.
• Experience planning and coordinating community events, from small gatherings to larger forums.
• Experience working with multicultural, multilingual, and/or First Nations communities.
• Experience managing programs or initiatives, such as ambassador programs, advisory groups, or community panels.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a genuine ability to connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple programs and relationships simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to chair meetings and produce clear meeting notes and summaries.
• Willingness to attend community events, including some outside standard business hours.
• Willingness and availability to travel as required across Melbourne, and occasionally across Victoria and Australia.
• A valid Working with Children Check and National Police Check, or willingness to obtain these checks.