Strategic Communications & AI Lead

Downer; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ASX listed company

Professional development programs

Flexible work arrangements

Parental leave

Employee Assistance Program

Diversity and inclusion

Discounted services

Job summary

Downer is seeking a Strategic Communications & AI Lead to guide content strategy across internal and external channels, shaping communications that are discoverable by AI and search engines. You will blend corporate communications expertise with practical AI and SEO knowledge to engage stakeholders and drive transformation.

You will work with senior leaders to embed responsible AI into workflows, manage digital channels, and deliver integrated communications programs that align with business

Qualifications

• Experience creating content for internal and external audiences.
• Ability to translate complex business information into clear communications.
• Experience managing websites, social media and digital channels.

Responsibilities

• Develop integrated content strategies, editorial plans and calendars aligned to business priorities.
• Create high-quality content across formats: executive comms, campaigns, thought leadership, websites, social media and publications.
• Lead internal communications initiatives to boost engagement and alignment.
• Manage digital content across channels ensuring accessibility and relevance.
• Drive adoption of AI tools to improve content creation, personalisation and reuse.
• Apply SEO, AEO, GEO and DEO best practices to improve discoverability by search and AI platforms.
• Monitor content performance and use analytics to improve engagement and experiences.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes with strong governance and brand alignment.

Skills

Content strategy

Editorial/content creation

Stakeholder management

Digital communications

AI in communications

SEO/Discovery knowledge

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Business or related discipline

Job description

The Strategic Communications & AI Lead is a pivotal role in the Group Corporate Affairs and Marketing team spanning internal and external communications and the rapidly evolving intersection between communications, digital discovery and AI.

The role requires an experienced communications practitioner with proven capability creating content for both human and AI audiences, including external content structured to be discovered, understood, retrieved and cited by AI-enabled search and large language models. Combining corporate communications expertise with practical capability across AI, SEO, AEO and GEO, the role will work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders to shape integrated content strategy, employee communications and digital engagement, while helping embed responsible AI into communications workflows.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver integrated content strategies, editorial plans and content calendars aligned to business priorities, audience needs and communications objectives.
  
• Create and adapt high-quality content across a range of formats, including executive communications, employee campaigns, thought leadership, website content, social media, presentations, videos, case studies and corporate publications.
  
• Lead the planning and delivery of internal communication initiatives that build engagement, support change and transformation, and strengthen organisational alignment.
  
• Manage and optimise digital content across websites, social media, email marketing and other approved channels, ensuring content remains relevant, accessible and engaging.
  
• Drive the adoption of approved AI tools and workflows to improve content creation, personalisation, quality assurance, efficiency and content reuse.
  
• Apply SEO, AEO, GEO and DEO best practices to enhance content discoverability, visibility and performance across search and AI-enabled platforms.
  
• Monitor content, channel and campaign performance, using insights and analytics to continuously improve audience engagement, content effectiveness and digital experiences.
  
• Partner with senior stakeholders, business units and specialist providers to deliver strategic communication outcomes while maintaining strong governance, editorial standards and brand alignment.
  

What You Will Bring

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Business or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
  
• Extensive experience in internal communications, corporate affairs, content marketing, digital communications or a related field within a complex organisational environment.
  
• Proven ability to create compelling content and translate complex business, operational or technical information into clear and engaging communications for diverse audiences.
  
• Experience managing websites, social media, digital channels, employee communication platforms and integrated communication campaigns.
  
• Practical experience using AI tools to improve content creation, adaptation, optimisation, quality and reuse, with a strong understanding of responsible AI, verification and human oversight.
  
• Strong understanding of digital content best practice, including analytics, accessibility, user experience and SEO, with working knowledge of AEO, GEO, DEO and the rapidly evolving ways people discover information through AI-enabled search and large language models.
  
• Experience creating authoritative, structured and machine-readable content that can be effectively discovered, understood, retrieved and cited by search engines and AI platforms, including answer-first writing, structured information, metadata and consistent entity representation.
  
• Exceptional stakeholder management, communication and influencing skills, combined with strong editorial judgement, attention to detail and a collaborative, proactive approach.
  

Benefits Of Working with Downer

• Work with an ASX listed company, working with market leaders.
• Grow your career with us, we are passionate about giving our people opportunities to grow through personal and professional development and continuous learning:
  • Professional development programs
    • Access to professional memberships and industry networks
• Be part of a team that cares - we foster a work environment built on support that is flexible around our employee's wellbeing needs:
  • Flexible work arrangements
    • Parental leave
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Programs promoting diversity and inclusion
• A range of Corporate Benefits, including:
  • Discounted services (car hires, hotels, insurance, retail stores, gyms)

Why Downer?

As a trusted name in infrastructure, transport, facilities management, and construction, Downer is committed to delivering projects that create a lasting, positive legacy. We're committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with this role, we'd still like to hear from you.