EL1 Strategic Communication

Job Q; Canberra; On-site; AUD 96,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Rashi Joshi agency seeks a senior communications leader to partner with senior executives and external stakeholders, shaping narratives and responses on major public priorities. You will lead integrated strategies, manage sensitive issues, and advise decision-makers to protect organisational reputation and public impact.

You will build cross‑sector relationships with government bodies, health organisations, academia and communities, delivering engagement programs and campaigns informed by

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading strategic communications, public affairs or stakeholder engagement functions within a complex environment.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with experience preparing executive briefings, strategic advice and high-quality communication materials.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively across a broad range of audiences.
• Experience supporting senior leaders through complex, sensitive or rapidly evolving issues.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to translate evidence and insights into practical communication strategies.
• Leadership experience with a proven ability to develop capability and drive team performance.
• Tertiary qualifications in communications, public policy, marketing, behavioural sciences or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic communications, public affairs or stakeholder engagement across a complex environment.
• Develop and lead integrated communications strategies and engage diverse audiences.
• Provide trusted advice to senior executives on sensitive and high-profile issues.
• Build relationships with government agencies, health organisations, academia and community stakeholders.
• Design and deliver engagement programs, campaigns and communication initiatives.
• Mentor and develop communications professionals to foster a high-performing team.

Job description

Your new company You will be working for a government agency to drive community trust and help shape responses to some of Australia's most important challenges.

Your new role Working at a strategic level, you will partner with senior executives, subject-matter experts and external stakeholders to deliver integrated communications strategies that inform, engage and influence diverse audiences. From developing compelling narratives and managing sensitive issues through to driving stakeholder engagement and advising decision-makers, you will play a key role in shaping organisational reputation and public impact. Develop and lead communication strategies that support major public priorities and organisational objectives. Provide trusted advice to senior executives on complex, sensitive and high-profile issues, including reputation management and stakeholder engagement. Build strong relationships with government agencies, health organisations, academia and community stakeholders to support coordinated outcomes. Design and deliver engagement programs, campaigns and communication initiatives that drive awareness, understanding and collaboration. Use audience insights, research and environmental scanning to identify emerging risks, opportunities and communication priorities. Lead, mentor and develop communications professionals while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

What you’ll need to succeed

• Demonstrated experience leading strategic communications, public affairs or stakeholder engagement functions within a complex environment.
• Exceptional written communication skills, with experience preparing executive briefings, strategic advice and high-quality communication materials.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively across a broad range of audiences.
• Experience supporting senior leaders through complex, sensitive or rapidly evolving issues.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to translate evidence and insights into practical communication strategies.
• Leadership experience with a proven ability to develop capability and drive team performance.
• Tertiary qualifications in communications, public policy, marketing, behavioural sciences or a related field, or equivalent experience.

What you’ll get in return

• Attractive EL1-equivalent hourly rate + super.
• Immediate start contract with the potential of a contract extension in South of Canberra.
• A strategic leadership position with exposure to high-profile and nationally significant issues.
• The chance to work alongside senior decision-makers, technical experts and key stakeholders.
• A collaborative and purpose-driven environment focused on innovation, engagement and continuous improvement.
• Opportunities to influence organisational strategy and help shape communication approaches at scale.